5 Small-Cap Stocks to Buy as Russell 2000 Catches Up to Broader Market Rally

 | Nov 28, 2023 20:05

  • Large-cap stocks have dominated all the headlines in 2023
  • But 2024 could belong to small-cap stocks, as the market gives them great upside potential
  • In this piece, we'll take a look at a few stocks set to outperform next year
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  • Throughout the year, the media has predominantly focused on and highlighted large-cap stocks, especially those in the technology and artificial intelligence sectors, given their excellent YTD returns.

    While this emphasis is logical due to their noteworthy performance, it's important not to overlook intriguing opportunities within small-cap stocks.

    Small caps are defined by market capitalizations ranging from $300 million to $2 billion. Those exceeding $2 billion transition into mid-caps, and the largest among them become large caps.

    Two prominent indexes in the small-cap space are:

    • Russell 2000: This index holds significance as small companies within it offer a more accurate reflection of the country's economic health, given their focus on domestic operations. Updated annually during May and June.
    • S&P 600: This index comprises 600 small-cap companies. Notably, it has outperformed the Russell 2000 over the last 25 years, partly due to its stringent entry filter, requiring companies to possess a robust earnings history.

    Interestingly, the market is anticipating that S&P 600 index stocks will deliver superior results in 2024 compared to their S&P 500 counterparts, with a projected increase of +18% versus +11%.

    So, let's explore 5 small-cap stocks that the market believes will experience substantial growth in 2024. To do so, we'll leverage the InvestingPro tool for relevant information and data.

    InvestingPro is an exceptionally practical tool for identifying stocks with the most promising upside potential based on specific criteria.

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