Greene: Small caps may finally be breaking out for good this time

Market Trends - Small caps are hitting record highs, indicating a shift in investor interest towards cheaper alternatives compared to mega-cap tech stocks, suggesting potential for gains [1][2] - Small caps are more sensitive to interest rates, and lower rates could provide momentum for sustained growth, especially if further rate cuts occur [3] Inflation and Consumer Spending - Recent reports indicate that tariffs are increasing prices, with high-income consumers spending on luxury items while lower-income consumers seek discounts [4][5] - There is concern about inflation impacting profit margins, as companies may either absorb tariff costs or pass them onto consumers, which could hurt revenues [5][6][7] - Despite inflation concerns, revenue growth remains strong, particularly among high-end consumers, as evidenced by positive results from luxury brands [8][9][10] Corporate Credit and Investment Sentiment - Notable investors are shorting corporate credit in developed markets, citing tight spreads, which raises questions about market stability [11][12] - The sentiment among banks remains bullish on the economy, with reports of healthy consumer spending and zero loss provisions from major banks [14][15] - While there are red flags such as tariffs and narrow spreads, there are also positive indicators driving the economy forward, suggesting a mixed outlook [16]