One asset class that has outperformed the broad market for nearly a decade is small cap. Since the low in April 1999, the Russell 2000 Index -- which has an equivalent exchange-traded fund, or ETF (AMEX: IWM) -- has gained 80 percentage points more than the S&P 500 index.
Over the past few months, however, this group has begun to languish. Recently, the small cap benchmark broke below key short- and long-term support levels relative to the S&P 500, suggesting that, in comparative terms at least, the good times for small company shares may be over.
Interestingly, this turnabout comes at a time when the stock market has been frothy, but has not seen widespread participation by small investors. I wonder if the two developments are somehow related?
Michael Panzner is a 25-year veteran of the global stock, bond, and currency markets and the author of Financial Armageddon: Protecting Your Future from Four Impending Catastrophes and The New Laws of the Stock Market Jungle: An Insider's Guide to Successful Investing in a Changing World.
Why isn't Bank of America updating its shareholders on CEO situation?
Before the bell: Futures sharply lower on Dubai's debt problems
Will Rich Ross really have a positive impact on Disney's movie operations?
