Small-Cap ETFs Poised for Rebound as Valuation Gap Widens
Wall Street's early 2024 prediction of a 50% Russell 2000 rally fell short, with the small-cap index delivering just 11.5% returns versus the S&P 500's 25%. The thesis hinged on interest rate cuts that never materialized as expected, leaving small caps trading at their widest valuation discount to large caps in 25 years.
As of August 2025, the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VTWO) shows renewed potential for explosive growth. The persistent Fed hawkishness has further stretched the price-to-book disparity between market segments, creating what analysts now call "the most asymmetric opportunity in equities." Historical patterns suggest small caps could enter a prolonged outperformance cycle once monetary policy pivots.