Group 1: Market Overview - Small-cap stocks have experienced a strong rally recently, driven by a favorable rate cut outlook which provides significant tailwinds [1][5] - The cheaper capital environment is particularly beneficial for smaller companies, contributing to their recent performance [1] Group 2: Company Insights - **Star Equity Holdings (STRR)**: This diversified holding company has seen its shares increase by 35% over the past three months, with the CEO acquiring approximately 660,000 shares in September [2][5] - **Anterix (ATEX)**: A wireless communications company focused on private broadband connectivity, the CEO purchased around 4,600 shares for $100,000 in mid-September. Despite recent pressure, shares have shown some recovery from 2025 lows [3][5] - **Energy Vault (NRGV)**: This company specializes in sustainable energy storage solutions. The CEO made a significant purchase of about 67,500 shares, with NRGV shares more than tripling in the last three months, outperforming the S&P 500's 12% gain [6][5] Group 3: Insider Activity - Recent insider buying activity from the CEOs of STRR, ATEX, and NRGV is seen as a positive indicator for long-term outlooks, although these transactions should not be solely relied upon for short-term performance [7][5]

Core Insights - Since early August, the Russell 2000 has outperformed the S&P 500 [1] Group 1 - The Russell 2000 index, which represents small-cap stocks, has shown stronger performance compared to the large-cap S&P 500 index [1]

Group 1: Small-Cap Market Momentum - The small-cap space has shown momentum recently, with the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) gaining nearly 3% over the past week, outperforming the broad market fund (SPY) which gained 1% [1] - Anticipated Fed rate cuts are contributing to this momentum, with futures markets pricing in a 94% chance of a quarter-point cut at the next Fed meeting, up from 85% before the latest inflation data [2] - Small-cap companies, which typically have a higher debt burden at floating rates, will benefit from lower borrowing costs, aiding their expansion and profitability [3] Group 2: Valuation and Investment Opportunities - The Russell 2000 has underperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date, with a gain of just 1.5% compared to 9.6%, potentially providing an advantageous entry point for investors [4] - Small-caps are currently trading at a discount compared to large-caps, attracting institutional investors who are rotating out of crowded mega-cap trades into undervalued small-cap segments [5] Group 3: Business Sentiment and Economic Indicators - Optimism among small business owners increased in July, with the small business optimism index rising to 100.3, the highest since February and above the 52-year average of 98, indicating a stabilizing business environment [6] - Trends in reshoring and onshoring favor small-cap firms, as companies bring supply chains back to the U.S. amid global supply chain vulnerabilities [7] Group 4: M&A Activity and Market Dynamics - Dealmaking is increasing in sectors like healthcare, biotech, and tech services, with large-cap companies targeting small and mid-sized firms for growth, which historically favors small companies [8] - The broadening market breadth, where gains are spreading more evenly across the market, signals healthier market dynamics and could catalyze small-cap outperformance [10] Group 5: Investment Vehicles - Several ETFs in the small-cap space have a strong Zacks ETF Rank 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), indicating potential outperformance in the coming weeks, including iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) and Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) [11]

As the latest inflation print lifts expectations an interest rate cut could be coming soon, speculative meme and small-cap stocks should stay in favor. https://t.co/7S93ufud0m ...

Wealth anchor Brad Smith breaks down the latest financial news for June 11, 2025. Alger Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager Amy Zhang discusses how to play the small and mid-cap stock trades and why she believes there are opportunities here. Food prices rose in May. Stew Leonard's CEO joins Brad to discuss how to save money on groceries this summer. Author and student loan expert Mark Kantrowitz speaks with Brad about how President Trump's "Big, Beautiful" tax and spending bill could impact stude ...

This week's rally is particularly encouraging for investors who like to invest in small-cap stocks. The Russell 2000 index, widely considered to be the small-cap index, is up about 3.8% for the week. This continues the momentum that’s been building for the last month, in which the index has climbed 15.7%. Small-cap stocks are particularly sensitive to interest rates. Many of these companies rely on debt for their operations, which means, in some cases, it would be harder for companies to absorb higher tarif ...