Small business owners grew more optimistic in May, reflecting improved expectations for business conditions and sales, according to the latest data from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). The latest data revealed that the small business optimism index climbed to 98.8 in May, up from 95.8 in April.
Driven by high valuations and rising treasury rates after the U.S. credit downgrade, SPDR® S&P 500 ETF Trust's valuation risk is among the highest level since the dot-com bubble. Small-cap ETF such iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF offers a more attractive risk/return profile. IJR's current yield spread over SPY is at a multi-decade high, and its valuation discount is compelling relative to its own historical level too.
IJR could offer a compelling mean reversion trade, capitalizing on the unusually wide small-cap premium and valuation gap versus large caps. This is because IJR tracks the S&P SmallCap 600, which better selects profitable small caps. And because the forward P/E of profitable small-cap companies is lower than that of unprofitable ones, signaling in my opinion, a technical inconsistency in favor of the S&P 600.
Looking for broad exposure to the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market? You should consider the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR), a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 05/22/2000.
The small-cap index records its biggest weekly gain since November. We highlight five top-ranked ETFs to tap the current momentum.
Since my last writings, the latest dividend declarations and also interest rate changes have made small-cap one of the most attractive market sectors. I thus see attractive valuation in both IJR and IWM. However, a few differences between these funds make me prefer IJR.
The iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) was launched on 05/22/2000, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market.
The iShares exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are worth exploring if you're looking for passive options to help you bring greater balance and customization to your portfolio.
I reiterate a buy rating on iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF due to its compelling valuation, imminent EPS growth, and strong long-term technical trends. IJR offers exposure to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, featuring a low expense ratio and a higher dividend yield than the S&P 500. Despite recent volatility, IJR's portfolio is well-diversified with a focus on value and cyclical stocks, making it sensitive to interest rate changes.
Wall Street was off to a volatile start in 2025, following a steep sell-off in the final weeks of 2024. Notably, the small-cap Russell 2000 Index fell 8.4% in December, marking its worst month since September 2022.
Designed to provide broad exposure to the Small Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) is a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 05/22/2000.
Jim Lebenthal, Chief Equity Strategist at Cerity Partners, joins CNBC's "Halftime Report" to explain why he's still bullish on these stocks.