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    More Rate Cuts = More Small Cap Gains? - 9/20

    Ian Cooper
    Saturday, September 20, 20255 min read
    More Rate Cuts = More Small Cap Gains? - 9/20

    With More Rate Cuts on the Way, Bet on Small Cap Stocks


    Investors have been buzzing about small-cap stocks lately — and for good reason.


    The Russell 2000 index, which tracks U.S. small-cap companies, just closed at a record high, surpassing its previous peak set back in 2021. Even more impressive, the index is on pace for its seventh straight week of gains — a streak it hasn’t seen since 2020.


    The catalyst? Interest rate cuts.


    With inflation easing and economic growth moderating, the Federal Reserve has already begun trimming interest rates. Now, Wall Street expects we could see two more cuts this year. That’s welcome news for small-cap companies, many of which are heavily dependent on debt financing.


    When rates fall, borrowing becomes cheaper. That means small-cap firms can refinance debt at lower costs, secure new financing more easily, and channel more capital toward growth and expansion. Historically, that’s why small caps tend to outperform in periods of monetary easing.

    Why Rate Cuts Are a Tailwind for Small Caps


    Small-cap companies are often more sensitive to interest rates than their larger, blue-chip peers. Here’s why:



    1. Higher Debt Levels Relative to Revenue
      Smaller firms often rely more heavily on loans and credit to fund operations. Lower rates directly reduce their interest expenses.




    2. Easier Access to Capital
      Rate cuts encourage lending, giving small businesses better access to fresh capital to fuel innovation, hiring, and acquisitions.




    3. Domestic Exposure
      Many small caps derive most of their revenue from the U.S. economy. When the Fed eases policy to stimulate growth, these companies are often the first to benefit.




    4. Valuation Reset
      After years of underperformance compared to large caps, small-cap valuations are more attractive. Rate cuts could act as the trigger that brings capital flooding back into the sector.




    Put simply, the stars may be aligning for small caps. For investors, this could be a unique opportunity to capture both short-term momentum and long-term growth potential.








    3 ETFs to Play the Small Cap Rally


    For those who don’t want to pick individual small-cap stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are an excellent way to gain broad exposure. Here are three popular ETFs worth watching right now:


    ETF: Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (SYM: VB)



    • Expense Ratio: 0.05%




    • Holdings: 1,336 stocks




    • Top Names: SoFi Technologies, NRG Energy, Atmos Energy, Reddit Inc., Pure Storage




    • Dividend: Pays quarterly; most recent payout was $0.78 on July 2




    The Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (SYM: VB) is one of the most cost-efficient ways to invest in small caps. With an expense ratio of just 0.05%, it offers broad exposure to over 1,300 companies in the CRSP U.S. Small Cap Index.


    Despite its strong recent rally — the fund surged from about $190 in April to $258.56 today — analysts believe there’s still room to run. With more rate cuts ahead, VB could push to new highs as small-cap earnings expectations improve.



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    ETF: iShares Russell 2000 ETF (SYM: IWM)



    • Expense Ratio: 0.19%




    • Holdings: 1,965 stocks




    • Top Names: Credo Technology, Bloom Energy, IONQ Inc., Fabrinet, Rambus Inc.




    • Dividend: Pays quarterly; most recent payout was $0.67 on Sept. 19




    The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (SYM: IWM) is one of the most widely recognized small-cap ETFs. With nearly 2,000 holdings, it tracks the full breadth of the U.S. small-cap universe.


    IWM has enjoyed a powerful rally of its own, climbing from an April low near $170 to about $244.28 today. As investors continue rotating into small caps on the back of Fed rate cuts, the ETF could rally toward higher highs — potentially retesting $260 or more.



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    ETF: Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SYM: SCHA)



    • Expense Ratio: 0.04%




    • Holdings: 1,687 stocks




    • Top Names: Reddit, Credo Technology, Affirm Holdings, Bloom Energy, IONQ Inc.




    • Dividend: Pays quarterly; most recent payout was $0.08 on June 30




    The Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SYM: SCHA) is another low-cost option for investors seeking diversified small-cap exposure. With an expense ratio of just 0.04%, it’s one of the cheapest ETFs in its category.


    After bottoming out around $20 in April, SCHA has rebounded sharply to about $28.23 today. Given its broad coverage and extremely low fees, it’s a solid long-term play on the small-cap sector — especially if Fed rate cuts continue boosting the group.


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    Written by Ian Cooper

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