Exchange traded funds that invest in U.S. small-cap and microcap stocks got a boost Monday from rallies in Timberland (NYSE: TBL), Graham Packaging (NYSE: GRM), Ness Technologies (NasdaqGS: NSTC), M&F Worldwide (NYSE: MFW) and other undersized companies.
Vanguard Small Cap ETF (NYSEArca: VB) and iShares Russell Microcap (NYSEArca: IWC) were little changed Monday afternoon and lagged large-cap stock indexes despite big rallies in some individual names.
Timberland soared more than 40% after VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC) announced a $2 billion deal for the small-cap retailer. [M&A Deals Lift Stock ETFs]
Graham Packaging vaulted almost 20% after the firm said it has gotten an unsolicited takeover bid from a third party.
Ness Technologies shares jumped following news the technology company is being acquired by Citi Venture Capital International.
M&F Worldwide shares rallied more than 40% after its largest shareholder offered to buy the firm for nearly $500 million.