Small Caps Outperform Peers Driving Stock Picks

Small-cap stocks are leading US markets in early 2026 as the Russell 2000 outperforms larger indices, driven by rotation from mega-cap tech into value and cyclicals. The article profiles five small-cap names—Willdan, Gorman-Rupp, HCI Group, DiamondRock Hospitality, and Green Plains—with YTD returns, market caps, and analyst metrics cited. Investors are encouraged to consider cyclical, value-oriented opportunities as rates stabilize.