Another ETF to monitor if small-caps retreat is the the iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (NASDAQ: IJT), which has managed only a modest year-to-date return. The $4.2 billion IJT tracks the S&P SmallCap 600 Growth Index. Value stocks typically trade at cheaper prices relative to fundamental measures of value, such as earnings and the book value of assets. In contrast, growth stocks tend to run at higher valuations since investors expect the rapid growth in those company measures.
Small-caps are also focused on the domestic economy and have less direct exposure to global geopolitical uncertainty and currency risks, as opposed to large-cap companies that have an international footprint, which may be affected by overseas risks and a strengthening U.S. dollar.
“The first sign is the historical seasonal pattern highlighted in the above chart is on the verge of heading lower once again indicating that small-cap underperformance will return. Other headwinds to the continuation of the small-cap rally are Stochastic, relative strength and MACD indicators that are all in overbought territory (in the following chart). Russell 2000 is also sitting right around projected monthly resistance (red-dashed line). Stretched technical indicators at the end of a favorable seasonal period suggest that the bulk of the Russell 2000’s latest advance is most likely done,” notes Almanac Trader.
Tom Lydon’s clients own shares of IWM.