Turn ETF ideas into real portfolios. Try the builder now →
Small caps are turning size into an advantage and the charts prove it.


Keep up with what matters in ETFs
Get timely ETF insights, market trends, and top ideas straight to your inbox.
Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to ETF Central's Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
Forget that outdated maxim “The bigger they are, the harder they fall.” In this market, it’s more like “The smaller they are, the harder they RALLY!”
Just look at the MoneyShow Chart of the Day. It compares the three-month performance of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY), the iShares S&P 100 ETF (OEF), the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), and the iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC).
Access Trackinsight's reliable and comprehensive data with 500M+ points on 14,000+ ETFs.
SPY, OEF, IWM, IWC (3-Mo. % Change)
![]()
Data by YCharts
You know the SPY. As for the OEF, it tracks the 100 largest-capitalization companies in the S&P 500 – with an average market cap of $891 billion, according to Morningstar. The comparable market cap figure is just $2.58 billion for IWM, and only $568 million for IWC.
So, what does the chart make clear? Despite their pint-sized market caps, smaller stocks are now leading the way!
While the OEF is up a respectable 12.8% year-to-date...the IWM is up 15.6%...and the IWC is up 20.9%. OEF is still “winning” on a year-to-date basis. But the performance gap is shrinking quickly.
What’s driving the action? Part of it is investors looking for new leadership after focusing on big-cap tech for so long. But the Federal Reserve is a key factor, too. All else being equal, Fed rate cuts/cheaper money tend to help smaller cap stocks more than large cap ones.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for new places to invest, don’t think big. Think SMALL!
If you want to get more articles and chart analysis from MoneyShow, subscribe to our Top Pros’ Top Picks newsletter here
Please note: This is syndicated content and reflects the author’s personal views. It does not represent the opinions of this publication or its affiliates. The article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always consult a registered financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Latest ETF News
See all ETF newsMoneyShow Chart of the Day 4/1/2026: Deal Volume Jumps in Q1 (But Will it PERSIST?)


MoneyShow Chart of the Day 3/9/2026: Tallying Up the Costs in Oil Markets


Advantages of ETFs over Mutual Funds1/6
Lower Costs
In this guide, we'll explore the advantages of ETFs over mutual funds, giving you valuable insights into why ETFs have gained significant popularity among investors like yourself.
Leveraged ETFs: Unlocking the Potential for Amplified Returns1/6
Understanding Leveraged ETFs
Explore leveraged ETFs: potential for amplified returns & risks. 5 ETFs to consider across equities, commodities & fixed income.
What is a Leveraged ETF?1/6
Introducing Leveraged and Inverse ETFs
In this guide, we'll dive into the world of leveraged ETFs, exploring their definition, mechanics, potential risks, and rewards.
Asset TV
The ETF Show - Investors Can Fight Healthcare Inflation with Newly Launched ETFs
Adam Schenck, Principal and Managing Director of Fund Services at Milliman joined The ETF Show to discuss Milliman's first ETFs designed to hedge against rising healthcare inflation.

ETF Trends
ETF Industry KPIs April 20, 2026
The ETF Industry saw 14 New Launches, 1 Ticker Change and 16 closures last week.

Asset TV
The ETF Show - Investors Run to Cash Alternatives as Markets Remain Volatile
Jason England, Portfolio Manager and Fixed Income Strategist from Simplify joined The ETF Show to discuss investor allocations to fixed income as markets continue on their rollercoaster ride.

ETF Trends
ETF Industry KPIs March 30, 2026
The ETF Industry saw 33 New Launches, 1 Ticker Change and 9 closures last week.

Direxion partnered with Compound Insights and Vanda to explore what’s driving the evolution of active trading — and how active traders are using leveraged and inverse funds across equities, single stocks, commodities, and volatility.
