High-Beta Stocks Take The Lead For Equity Risk Factors In 2025

The Invesco S&P 500 High Beta ETF (SPHB) is up a sizzling 27.3% year to date. SPHB targets the stocks in the S&P 500 with the highest sensitivity to market movements, or beta, over the past 12 months.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 16, 2025

Stock Market Mighty Mites Outperform, Despite These Risks

Micro-cap stocks, which are the lowest rung in the market-cap ladder, are rallying thanks to falling interest rates and comparatively cheaper valuations.

Investors Business Daily • Oct 3, 2025

IWC: High Risk, Low Reward

iShares Micro-Cap ETF offers exposure to very small U.S. companies, targeting micro-caps that potentially could be overlooked by passive investors. Only 20% of the top 10 holdings were profitable in 2024, and many exhibit erratic cash flows—not the hallmarks of quality long-term investments. Historical total returns (6.83%) lag significantly behind broader U.S. indices, small-cap, and mid-cap ETFs. Higher fees and high portfolio turnover add additional headwinds.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 1, 2025

IWC: Microcaps Hit Key Resistance, Ultra-Low P/E Not Enough Yet

IWC has sharply lagged the S&P 500 in the past three years. Its valuation is compelling, but we must see confirmation from the chart before a bullish view can hold water. I outline key price levels to monitor ahead of weak calendar trends.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 12, 2025

IWC: Not A Great Way To Play The Next Bull Market

The iShares Micro-Cap ETF seeks to track the results of the Russell Microcap Index. Most securities included in IWC have a market cap between $50,000,000 and $300,000,000. The appeal of most small-cap ETFs should be the opportunity for significantly higher gains because of the added risks associated with investing in smaller companies. IWC's structure prevents it from capitalizing on significant gains long term, as successful companies will likely outgrow the micro-cap space.

Seeking Alpha • Apr 29, 2025

IWC: Weak Growth Profile Makes It Less Attractive

iShares Micro-Cap ETF has underperformed compared to its small, mid, and large-cap peers, delivering only a 103.5% total return over 10 years. IWC's portfolio is heavily tilted towards value stocks (52%) and has a lower exposure to growth stocks (20%), impacting its performance. The fund's low exposure to technology stocks (12.5%) dampens its growth outlook, as tech is a fast-growing sector benefiting from key megatrends.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 24, 2024

Understanding And Investing In U.S. Micro Caps: Why Choose IWC?

The iShares Micro-Cap ETF provides passive exposure to U.S. micro-cap stocks, minimizing the risks associated with individual stock picking. Despite the underperformance, IWC provides diversification and, in my opinion, the potential for alpha in the future in the micro-cap market. The lowering of the Fed's interest rates has become inevitable, and this could create value in the micro-cap segment.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 15, 2024

Inflation Cools in June, Triggers Spike in Laggard ETFs

June inflation data has deepened the market's confidence that the Fed would begin cutting interest rates in September, leading to a sector rotation from the hot technology sector to the laggards that could benefit from falling rates like industrials and small caps.

Zacks Investment Research • Jul 12, 2024

iShares Micro-Cap ETF: Structural Underperformance To Avoid

IWC invests across a portfolio of the smallest US publicly traded companies. The fund has underperformed historically and is lagging during the current bull market. Micro-cap stocks are important, but IWC's strategy fails to impress.

Seeking Alpha • May 28, 2024

IWC: If It's A Bull Market, Micro Is Next

The current bull market has been driven by large-cap momentum, but if you believe small-caps will lead the next phase, consider investing in the iShares Micro-Cap ETF. IWC provides exposure to micro-cap stocks, which have the potential for significant returns but also come with higher risks due to their smaller size and limited resources. The fund holds a diversified portfolio of about 1,500 micro-cap stocks, with the biggest allocation in the healthcare sector.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 26, 2024