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The year might be young, but a few small-cap financial plays have already started out with a bang. Among the leaders, it's a pretty diverse set: some REITs, some financing companies, even a South American real estate holding company. Here’s a closer look at five of the best performers on the market to start off the year:

GAIN Capital Holdings (GCAP)

Market Cap: $316.99 million

Price: $8.84

P/E Ratio: 15.16

YTD Performance: +17.04 percent

GAIN is an investment brokerage that operates strictly online. This New Jersey-headquartered company caters to retail investors and offers a platform for average investors to speculate on foreign currencies.

Alto Palerma S.A. (APSA)

Market Cap: $711.45 million

Price: $22.70

P/E Ratio: 19.14

YTD Performance: +7.22 percent

This Argentinean real estate company builds shipping malls in South America. This play has shown momentum the last three months, gaining almost 19 percent since October. 

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Hatteras Financial Trust (HTS)

Market Cap: $1.70 billion

Price: $17.58

P/E Ratio: N/A

YTD Performance: +6.06 percent

This REIT (real estate investment trust) calls Winston-Salem, N.C. home, and serves as an opportunity for investors to speculate on “pass-through” securities issued or guaranteed by the US government. Hatteras was recently upgraded to “neutral” by Zacks.

Marlin Business Services (MRLN)

Market Cap: $328.75 million

Price: $26.81

P/E Ratio: 20.83

YTD Performance: +4.96 percent

This company finances equipment out for use by small businesses. Marlin also happens to be included in the Equities.com research project Small-Cap Stars, where it has been given a three out of a maximum five stars, indicating a play with stronger than average fundamentals.

PennyMac Mortgage Trust (PMT)

Market Cap: $1.42 billion

Price: $23.97

P/E Ratio: 7.14

YTD Performance: +4.49 percent

Another REIT, PennyMac seeks to maximize returns for investors by deriving as much value as possible from distressed home loans. PennyMac has been rebounding from a rough early 2013, gaining over 20 percent since the middle of last year.

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