The current market environment, characterized by easing inflation fears and a potential shift in Federal Reserve policy toward lower interest rates, is a favorable backdrop for small cap stocks.
After a long period of underperformance, small-cap U.S. stocks may be staging a comeback. While it's too early to say for sure whether this is the start of a sustained rally or just an occasional rise, recent data shows encouraging signs for small-cap investors.
After an epic week where only a few sectors plus the S&P 500 and NASDAQ shone, it turns out that it's the calendar price range that has the final say (read last week's articles here). At least for now.
Looking for broad exposure to the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market? You should consider the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 05/22/2000.
Synchronizing investment schedules with dividend payments allows for better planning of expenditures and reinvestment strategies. So, the more often the cash comes in, the better. In the piece, I discuss two high-yielding and weekly-paying ETFs that can do the thing in a relatively prudent fashion.
Much credit goes to large-caps for pulling the broad market out of April's sell-off abyss. But traders looking for other plays this summer may want to consider downsizing with small- and midcap plays.
Small-cap stocks, as indicated by the Russell 2000 Index, have lagged their bigger peers so far this year. Small-cap exchange-traded fund (ETF) iShares Russell 2000 IWM is down about 6.2% this year versus gains of about 1% in the S&P 500 and 1.9% in the Nasdaq-100 ETF (QQQ) and 0.1% losses in the Dow Jones.
Launched on 05/22/2000, the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market.
IWMY, an income ETF, shows promise in generating income and providing downside protection, especially in sideways or downward markets. Volatility levels of the underlying IWM are low, which impacts option premiums and accumulated income, but offers stability. Past performance indicates IWMY has a smaller performance gap compared to its underlying IWM, with better downside protection than many option writing ETFs.
I am downgrading the Russell 2000 ETF to Neutral, as it currently trades at 193.50 amidst market volatility. Small-cap stocks were in a bear market but showed potential for a bounce, with IWM initially projected to rebound to 192.79 or higher. Despite the rally, I am less inclined to be long on small-caps and see significant risks, including a potential recession and massive federal debt.
Small cap stocks, or those companies with market capitalizations between $300 million and $2 billion, are a vital component of a diversified investment portfolio due to their growth potential and ability to enhance long-term returns.
America faces significant debt refinancing in 2025, with $8.2 trillion needing turnover, pressuring the Fed to cut rates to avoid recession. Leveraged ETFs and hedge funds are driving market volatility, with recent massive sell-offs due to margin calls and risk management pressures. Current market conditions are reminiscent of the 2018 trade war, with tariffs and strategic moves impacting valuations and investor sentiment.