The Russell 2000 just made a three-year round trip but fell slightly short of posting a new high. The economy continues to perform well – a plus – but long rates have diverged with short rates, which cannot be a … Continued
Small-caps are showing some improved action. With so many false dawns in the past, bulls hope this lasts and that the economy is headed for Goldilocks, as too hot or too cold may not suit their bias. Small-caps have spring … Continued
With mixed macro messages, small-caps, which tend to have high domestic economic exposure, struggle to gain traction. The Russell 2000 remains under its November 2021 high. The sell-side is very optimistic about next year’s earnings, but it is prudent to … Continued
The Nasdaq 100 is down three weeks in a row, even as the Russell 2000 is up three weeks in a row. Amidst this, the ratio between the two is approaching a crucial retest. A failed retest will mean the … Continued
Small-caps have awoken from their slumber. The Russell 2000 is up 6.6 percent in the last three sessions, with a breakout at 2100. Long a laggard versus large-caps, particularly tech, small-caps’ latest outperformance is raising questions as to if this … Continued
Small-caps get no love. They have not for a while. Unlike its large-cap peers that keep making new highs, the Russell 2000 remains substantially below its November 2021 high. The index ceased to respond to solid jobs picture as early … Continued
Small-caps rallied huge last week in reaction to the so-called Fed pivot. That said, no sooner did Powell deliver that message last Wednesday, leading to futures traders now demanding six cuts next year, than three different FOMC members came out … Continued
The Russell 2000 had a phenomenal Friday as rate-cut expectations were brought forward to March. Futures traders now expect five cuts next year – unlikely unless the US economy craters, in which case small-caps will take the brunt of the … Continued
Small-caps continue to act tentative. It is a group of stocks with the most exposure to the domestic economy, and their performance runs counter to the nearly-consensus view that the economy will do just fine next year. Oddly enough, small-cap … Continued
The sell-side just bumped up estimates for S&P 600 operating earnings for both this year and next. The Russell 2000 does not give a hoot. Small-caps act weak – much weaker than large-caps. If they are sending the right signal, … Continued