美股：悄然发生变化的主线

Market Performance - The U.S. stock market has shown unexpected performance this year, lagging behind major global markets[4] - The Russell 2000 index, representing small-cap stocks, has increased by 5.8% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 (0.5%) and NASDAQ (-1.4%)[4] Historical Context - Over the past decade, small-cap stocks have consistently underperformed large-cap stocks, with the last significant outperformance occurring in the early 2000s after the tech bubble burst[4] - The current underperformance of small-cap stocks relative to large-cap stocks is comparable to the peak of the tech bubble in 1999[4] Economic Indicators - Small-cap outperformance typically occurs during interest rate cut cycles, which are associated with economic recovery and moderate inflation[4] - The current economic environment is characterized by a unique divergence, with strong performance in the AI sector and ongoing struggles in traditional industries[4] Future Outlook - 2026 may mark a turning point for small-cap stocks due to anticipated changes in economic policy and a decrease in inflation concerns[4] - The performance of large tech companies is under scrutiny regarding the sustainability of AI investments, which could benefit small-cap stocks[4] Sector Analysis - The Russell 2000 index is more balanced across sectors, with healthcare (18.75%), industrials/materials (18.08%), and financials (17.23%) leading, compared to the tech-heavy Russell 1000[4][19] - The best-performing small-cap stocks are concentrated in innovative pharmaceuticals, minerals, and energy sectors, aligning with current U.S. policies focused on supply chain security[5] Political Implications - The upcoming midterm elections may favor small-cap stocks as the administration's policies could lead to resource redistribution benefiting smaller companies[5] - Potential risks include increased tariffs or military actions that could destabilize markets and impact small-cap performance negatively[5]