Group 1 - Union Bankshares (UNB) is the holding company of a small local bank based in Vermont, operating 18 branches and boasting a 135-year history [1] - The Investment Doctor emphasizes a portfolio strategy that includes a mix of dividend and growth stocks, focusing on high-quality small-cap investment opportunities in Europe [1] - The investment group European Small Cap Ideas provides exclusive access to actionable research, model portfolios, weekly updates, and educational content for investors [1]

Core Insights - The article compares two small-cap ETFs: iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM), highlighting their differences in portfolio breadth, costs, and performance [4]. Group 1: ETF Overview - ISCB tracks 1,578 small-cap U.S. stocks, with sector weights in industrials (19%), financial services (17%), and healthcare (13.9%) [2]. - SPSM holds 607 U.S. small-cap stocks, with a sector tilt towards financial services (18%), industrials (16%), and technology (15%) [1]. Group 2: Performance and Cost - ISCB has performed slightly better over the last five years, showing more growth and a smaller maximum drawdown compared to SPSM [7]. - SPSM offers a lower expense ratio and a higher dividend yield, making it attractive for cost-conscious investors [3][7]. Group 3: Sector Exposure - ISCB's inclusion of healthcare among its top sectors may appeal to investors looking for defensive opportunities, while SPSM's higher concentration in technology may attract those wanting to capitalize on tech sector trends [8].

Company Overview - Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. specializes in manufacturing amorphous alloy components using a patented injection molding process, achieving precision, strength, hardness, elasticity, and corrosion resistance directly from the mold without secondary processes [6] - The technology has applications in various markets, particularly in consumer electronics, medical, and robotics industries [6] Event Details - Liquidmetal Technologies will present at the LD Micro Main Event XIX on October 21st at 12:00 PM PT, with CEO Tony Chung leading the presentation [1][3] - The LD Micro Main Event XIX will take place from October 19th to 21st at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California, featuring around 120 companies presenting in half-hour increments [4][5] Presentation Focus - The presentation will concentrate on the future outlook of Liquidmetal technology and the re-emergence of the company's manufacturing operations [3]

Core Insights - Small-cap investing is gaining interest as a way to refresh portfolios amid market uncertainty, providing exposure to undervalued companies and mitigating concentration risk [1][3] - An active management approach to small-caps can enhance performance and identify firms best positioned for growth [4] Small-Cap Market Outlook - Small-cap firms are expected to have a stronger end to 2025 and a potentially rewarding start to 2026, aided by lower borrowing costs from recent rate cuts [2] - U.S. investors face concentration risk in megacap tech stocks, making small firms an attractive alternative with potential upside despite inflation and economic slowdown [3] Active Management Benefits - Active management can leverage fundamental research to identify small-cap firms that are likely to outperform in uncertain market conditions [4] Investment Options - The T. Rowe Price Small-Mid Cap ETF (TMSL) is highlighted as a viable investment option, charging a 55 basis point fee and focusing on growth or value characteristics through a bottom-up approach [5] - TMSL has achieved a year-to-date return of 9.1%, outperforming its category average of 6.9% and FactSet Segment average of 6% [5]