Small-Cap Stocks Surge, Outperforming Large-Caps
- Small-Cap Outperformance: Year-to-date in 2026, the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) has surged 10.9%, significantly outperforming the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), which only rose 1.4%, indicating a potential shift in investor sentiment towards small-cap stocks after years of underperformance.
- Top Small-Cap Stocks: Leading the small-cap industrial sector is Power Solutions International (PSIX), with an impressive 18.23% above its 200-day simple moving average (200DSMA), highlighting its strong market position and potential for attracting investor interest.
- Close Competitors: Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) and Wabash National (WNC) follow closely with 17.84% and 17.83% above their respective 200DSMAs, showcasing their competitive edge in the small-cap space and potential for future growth.
- Notable Performers: LSI Industries (LYTS) and FTAI Infrastructure (FIP) round out the top five with 17.40% and 17.33% above their 200DSMA, reflecting the robust performance of small-cap stocks in the industrial sector and prompting investors to reassess their portfolios.
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- Small-Cap Outperformance: Year-to-date in 2026, the iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) has surged 10.9%, significantly outperforming the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), which only rose 1.4%, indicating a potential shift in investor sentiment towards small-cap stocks after years of underperformance.
- Top Small-Cap Stocks: Leading the small-cap industrial sector is Power Solutions International (PSIX), with an impressive 18.23% above its 200-day simple moving average (200DSMA), highlighting its strong market position and potential for attracting investor interest.
- Close Competitors: Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) and Wabash National (WNC) follow closely with 17.84% and 17.83% above their respective 200DSMAs, showcasing their competitive edge in the small-cap space and potential for future growth.
- Notable Performers: LSI Industries (LYTS) and FTAI Infrastructure (FIP) round out the top five with 17.40% and 17.33% above their 200DSMA, reflecting the robust performance of small-cap stocks in the industrial sector and prompting investors to reassess their portfolios.
- Uneven Investment Distribution: According to Atlas Public Policy, over $200 billion has been invested in U.S. EV and battery manufacturing from 2000 to 2024, with 84% of battery investments and 62% of EV manufacturing investments directed to Republican-led districts, indicating a significant political influence on investment patterns that may lead to future job imbalances.
- Sales Decline Impact: Hyundai Motor Group has experienced dramatic fluctuations in EV sales, with a 50% drop by the fourth quarter after initial growth in the first quarter, directly affecting its competitive position in the U.S. market and forcing the company to adjust its strategy in response to market changes.
- Massive Investment and Layoff Risks: Hyundai's $12.6 billion investment in the Metaplant in Georgia is expected to create 8,500 jobs by 2031, but the cancellation of federal incentives has led to an additional $2.7 billion investment to boost production, highlighting the high risks associated with uncertain market conditions.
- Industry-Wide Challenges: Companies like Ford and General Motors have announced they will face at least $100 billion in write-downs on EV investments, reflecting the immense financial pressure the entire industry faces during the EV transition, while Hyundai aims to avoid similar financial losses through flexible production strategies.
- Stock Price Analysis: PSIX's 52-week low is $18.10 per share, while the high is $121.78, with the last trade at $63.23, indicating significant volatility over the past year and reflecting varying market expectations regarding its future performance.
- Market Trend Observation: The current stock price of $63.23 is below the 200-day moving average, which may suggest a lack of investor confidence in the short term, necessitating close monitoring of subsequent market dynamics to assess potential impacts on the company's fundamentals.
- Investor Sentiment Assessment: Despite the considerable price fluctuations, market perceptions of PSIX remain diverse, prompting investors to carefully analyze its financial health and industry outlook to make informed investment decisions.
- Technical Indicator Interpretation: The disparity between PSIX's high and low points within the 52-week range may provide crucial insights for technical analysis, allowing investors to formulate effective trading strategies.
- Options Selling Strategy: By selling puts at a $40 strike price, investors can only achieve a 19.4% annualized return unless PSIX shares decline by 36.3%, indicating a careful balance of risk and reward in this strategy.
- Market Volatility Analysis: With a trailing twelve-month volatility of 97%, PSIX's stock price fluctuations highlight the need for investors to consider market uncertainties and potential risks when evaluating options selling.
- Exercise Conditions: The put seller will only be forced to hold shares if PSIX's price drops below $35, which will affect the cost basis and future investment decisions, emphasizing the importance of market monitoring.
- Return and Risk Assessment: While selling options can yield short-term gains, investors must prudently assess market dynamics to ensure a favorable risk-reward ratio, particularly in a volatile environment.
- 52 Week Range: PSIX's stock has a 52-week low of $15.30 and a high of $121.78, with the last trade recorded at $61.42.
- Market Analysis: The article suggests checking for other stocks that have recently crossed above their 200-day moving average.
- Author's Perspective: The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent Nasdaq, Inc.
- Stock Performance Insight: The information highlights the volatility and performance range of PSIX's stock over the past year.
Validea's Small-Cap Growth Investor Model: The model, based on Motley Fool's strategy, identifies small-cap growth stocks with strong fundamentals and price performance, highlighting Power Solutions International Inc. (PSIX) and Paysign Inc. (PAYS) as notable stocks with improved ratings.
Power Solutions International Inc. (PSIX): This company specializes in advanced, emission-certified engines and power systems, receiving a rating increase from 65% to 72% due to its solid fundamentals and valuation, indicating growing interest.
Paysign Inc. (PAYS): A provider of prepaid card programs and digital banking services, Paysign's rating improved from 59% to 72%, reflecting its strong fundamentals and valuation, which also suggests increasing interest from investors.
About Motley Fool and Validea: Motley Fool, founded by David and Tom Gardner, offers investment insights and commentary, while Validea provides research based on the strategies of renowned investors, aiming to help investors outperform the market.









