Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 16
Small-Cap Stocks Post Best Start Since 1991 as Key ETFs Gain Over 20%
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 16

Small-Cap Stocks Post Best Start Since 1991 as Key ETFs Gain Over 20%

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 16

Summary

  • State Street says the small-cap rally still has room to run, arguing the move is being driven by fundamentals rather than a short-squeeze rebound.
  • More Wall Street firms are raising than cutting small-cap earnings forecasts, and State Street expects more than 20% EPS growth this quarter, including stronger third- and fourth-quarter estimates.
  • All 11 small-cap GICS sectors are outperforming their large-cap counterparts — a breadth signal not seen in more than 30 years — while less-shorted names are beating heavily shorted stocks.
  • SPSM and SLYG are both up more than 20% this year, versus a 1.9% drop and a 0.86% gain in the same period last year; the Russell 2000 is also up nearly 20%.
  • Avantis said investors remain too focused on large caps and should consider broader exposure, including small caps, mid-caps, developed ex-U.S. markets and emerging markets.

Insights

What unique economic shifts are fueling this small-cap surge, making it the most sustainable rally seen in over 30 years?
Beyond the rally, which small-cap sectors are becoming prime M&A targets as institutional interest in the space intensifies?
With small-cap valuations at 25-year lows despite a historic rally, is this a massive buying opportunity or a dangerous value trap?