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The Contrarian Edge: 2 Things Soaring Small Caps Have in Common
Schaeffers Investment Researchยท2025-09-23 16:03

Group 1: Market Overview - The Russell 2000 Index (RUT) reached a new record high, driven by momentum from anticipated rate cuts [1] - The small cap iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) saw significant gains, with various holdings benefiting from this trend [1] Group 2: Key Company Highlights - Bloom Energy Corp (NYSE:BE) was highlighted as a top pick, with Morgan Stanley raising its price target from $44 to $85, citing its partnership with Oracle and its role in powering AI data centers; BE closed the week at $82.93, up 273% in 2025 [2] - IonQ Inc (NYSE:IONQ) announced acquisitions of Vector Atomic and Oxford Ionics, and a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Energy to advance quantum technologies; IONQ experienced a seven-day win streak, briefly crossing $70 [3] - Rigetti Computing Inc (NYSE:RGTI) and D-Wave Quantum Inc (NYSE:QBTS) also saw significant gains of 49% and 51% respectively, with Rigetti securing a $5.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory and D-Wave reporting 83% year-over-year growth in the Asia-Pacific region [4] Group 3: Sector Trends - The quantum computing sector is experiencing a surge, with companies establishing legitimacy despite previous volatility; IONQ and QBTS faced post-earnings drawdowns, while Rigetti gained 6.1% after earnings [5] - Oklo Inc (NYSE:OKLO), a small-module reactor company, rose nearly 60% this week, benefiting from increased demand following U.S. Energy Secretary announcements and a U.S.-U.K. nuclear energy pact [6][7] - All highlighted companies, including those in clean energy, quantum computing, and nuclear reactors, have shown up on a Short Squeeze screen, indicating potential for further volatility despite recent gains [8]