Small-Cap ETFs Set to Outperform S&P 500
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 15 2026
0mins
Should l Buy NVDA?
Source: Yahoo Finance
- Small-Cap Recovery: After experiencing 11 consecutive quarters of negative earnings growth from 2022 to early 2025, the S&P 600 Small-Cap Index achieved positive earnings growth in Q2 2025, with forecasts suggesting it will surpass the S&P 500's growth rate by late 2026, indicating strong recovery potential for small caps.
- Investment Opportunity: The iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR), which tracks the S&P 600 index, offers a low-cost entry point for investors with an expense ratio of just 0.06%, potentially delivering above-average returns as small caps rebound.
- Mid-Cap Advantages: The Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) tracks the CRSP US Mid Cap Index, comprising around 300 stocks, and boasts a low expense ratio of 0.03%, providing a diversified portfolio that reduces reliance on tech stocks compared to the S&P 500.
- Market Performance Comparison: Analysts from Motley Fool Stock Advisor noted that while IJR was not among their top 10 recommended stocks, its total average return of 930% significantly outperformed the S&P 500's 187%, highlighting the importance of strategic stock selection.
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Analyst Views on NVDA
Wall Street analysts forecast NVDA stock price to rise
41 Analyst Rating
39 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 175.750
Low
200.00
Averages
264.97
High
352.00
Current: 175.750
Low
200.00
Averages
264.97
High
352.00
About NVDA
NVIDIA Corporation is an artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure company. The Company is engaged in accelerated computing to help solve the challenging computational problems. Its segments include Compute & Networking and Graphics. The Compute & Networking segment includes its Data Center accelerated computing and networking platforms and AI solutions and software, and automotive platforms and autonomous and electric vehicle solutions, including software. The Graphics segment includes GeForce GPUs for gaming and personal computers (PCs), and Quadro/NVIDIA RTX GPUs for enterprise workstation graphics. Its technology stack includes the foundational NVIDIA CUDA development platform that runs on all NVIDIA GPUs, as well as hundreds of domain-specific software libraries, frameworks, algorithms, software development kits (SDKs), and application programming interfaces (APIs). Its platforms address four markets, which include Data Center, Gaming, Professional Visualization, and Automotive.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Nvidia Anticipates Massive Growth in Data Center Spending
- Data Center Spending Forecast: Nvidia anticipates that global data center capital expenditures will reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030, indicating strong demand for AI technology and significant market potential that could drive substantial revenue growth for the company.
- Capital Expenditure Trends: By 2026, the big four hyperscalers are expected to spend $650 billion, excluding expenditures from China and other major AI players, highlighting the increasing reliance on Nvidia's products in the market.
- Industry Growth Rate: Nvidia projects a 48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the industry, and if this rate continues through 2030, the company's revenue could reach $1.53 trillion, significantly surpassing the $216 billion generated in the past 12 months, showcasing its potential market leadership.
- Investor Confidence: While Nvidia is considered a top stock pick, it was not included in the Motley Fool's current list of best investment stocks, reflecting differing market perceptions about its future performance, prompting investors to carefully assess risks and opportunities.
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- Low Expense Ratio Advantage: The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF charges an ultra-low expense ratio of just 0.03%, allowing investors to gain exposure to 500 of America's largest companies at minimal cost, thereby achieving higher net returns over the long term.
- Long-Term Performance: Over the past decade, this ETF has generated a total return of 274%, translating to an annualized gain of 14%, demonstrating strong performance in volatile markets and attracting investors optimistic about the American economy.
- Tech Sector Dominance: The information technology sector accounts for 32.4% of the ETF's portfolio, with Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft making up 19% combined, reflecting investor confidence in the future of artificial intelligence and its significance in the market.
- Market Volatility Strategy: Despite heightened market volatility, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is still viewed as an ideal long-term investment choice, as it is expected to provide stable returns for investors over the next five years and beyond.
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Nvidia's Future Growth Potential is Huge
- Market Spending Expectations: Nvidia anticipates global data center capital expenditures will reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030, indicating that the investment boom in the AI sector will continue, further driving company performance.
- Hyperscaler Spending: By 2026, the big four hyperscalers are expected to spend $650 billion, excluding expenditures from China and other major AI players, demonstrating strong demand for Nvidia's products in the market.
- Industry Growth Rate: Nvidia projects a 48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the industry, suggesting that by 2030, the company's revenue could reach $1.53 trillion, significantly higher than the $216 billion generated in the past 12 months, showcasing its robust market potential.
- Competitive Advantage: With the AI chip market expected to grow at nearly 60% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, Nvidia, as a key supplier of computing chips, is poised for substantial stock price increases, attracting investor interest.
See More
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- Importance of Cash Buffer: Establishing a cash buffer to cover two years of living expenses is crucial when retiring, as withdrawing from an IRA or 401(k) during market downturns risks locking in permanent losses, thus safeguarding retirement savings.
- Flexible Spending Strategy: Adjusting the original withdrawal plan during market volatility, such as reducing the first-year withdrawal from $100,000 to $90,000, can help preserve savings and prevent future financial shortfalls, ensuring long-term stability.
- Adaptability in Retirement Planning: While retiring in a volatile market is not ideal, focusing on building a cash buffer and maintaining flexible spending can effectively mitigate the impact of initial market turbulence on long-term retirement plans.
- Potential Social Security Benefits: Many retirees overlook social security bonuses that could add up to $23,760 annually, and understanding these secrets can enhance financial security during uncertain market conditions.
See More
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- Staggering Investment Returns: Since its IPO in 1980 at $22 per share, Apple's stock has surged to $254.65, with five stock splits resulting in an effective return of over 254,650%, showcasing its exceptional performance as an investment.
- Wealth of Early Investors: A $2,000 investment in Apple at its IPO would be worth over $5.18 million today, highlighting the immense potential of long-term holding and Apple's dominance in the tech industry.
- Market Leadership: Since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has not only led the smartphone industry but also accelerated the rapid development of mobile technology, becoming one of the world's most valuable companies with a market cap of $3.8 trillion.
- Investment Strategy Reflection: Despite Apple's outstanding performance, analysts advise investors to diversify their stock holdings to mitigate risks associated with single investments, emphasizing the importance of holding a variety of stocks in the market.
See More
Marvell Technology Shares Surge 21.3% Amid Strong Earnings and Nvidia Investment
- Earnings Beat: Marvell Technology reported a 22.1% year-over-year revenue increase to $2.2 billion in its fourth quarter, with adjusted earnings per share rising 33.3% to $0.80, surpassing analyst expectations and showcasing robust financial performance.
- Optimistic Guidance: Management anticipates a 9% sequential revenue increase in the first quarter, projecting adjusted EPS of $0.79, indicating sustained growth potential in AI infrastructure, particularly within the data center segment.
- Collaboration with Nvidia: Nvidia's announcement of a $2 billion investment in Marvell, coupled with a product partnership, is expected to enhance Marvell's market position in AI infrastructure, particularly in the application of photonic networking technologies.
- Diversified Customer Base: Marvell has added Microsoft as a client, with Microsoft's Maia2 chip likely to drive further business growth in AI chips, demonstrating the company's adaptability and strategic positioning in a competitive market.
See More
Nvidia Anticipates Massive Growth in Data Center Spending
- Data Center Spending Forecast: Nvidia anticipates that global data center capital expenditures will reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030, indicating strong demand for AI technology and significant market potential that could drive substantial revenue growth for the company.
- Capital Expenditure Trends: By 2026, the big four hyperscalers are expected to spend $650 billion, excluding expenditures from China and other major AI players, highlighting the increasing reliance on Nvidia's products in the market.
- Industry Growth Rate: Nvidia projects a 48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the industry, and if this rate continues through 2030, the company's revenue could reach $1.53 trillion, significantly surpassing the $216 billion generated in the past 12 months, showcasing its potential market leadership.
- Investor Confidence: While Nvidia is considered a top stock pick, it was not included in the Motley Fool's current list of best investment stocks, reflecting differing market perceptions about its future performance, prompting investors to carefully assess risks and opportunities.
See More
Analysis of Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Investment Value
- Low Expense Ratio Advantage: The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF charges an ultra-low expense ratio of just 0.03%, allowing investors to gain exposure to 500 of America's largest companies at minimal cost, thereby achieving higher net returns over the long term.
- Long-Term Performance: Over the past decade, this ETF has generated a total return of 274%, translating to an annualized gain of 14%, demonstrating strong performance in volatile markets and attracting investors optimistic about the American economy.
- Tech Sector Dominance: The information technology sector accounts for 32.4% of the ETF's portfolio, with Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft making up 19% combined, reflecting investor confidence in the future of artificial intelligence and its significance in the market.
- Market Volatility Strategy: Despite heightened market volatility, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is still viewed as an ideal long-term investment choice, as it is expected to provide stable returns for investors over the next five years and beyond.
See More
Nvidia's Future Growth Potential is Huge
- Market Spending Expectations: Nvidia anticipates global data center capital expenditures will reach $3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2030, indicating that the investment boom in the AI sector will continue, further driving company performance.
- Hyperscaler Spending: By 2026, the big four hyperscalers are expected to spend $650 billion, excluding expenditures from China and other major AI players, demonstrating strong demand for Nvidia's products in the market.
- Industry Growth Rate: Nvidia projects a 48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the industry, suggesting that by 2030, the company's revenue could reach $1.53 trillion, significantly higher than the $216 billion generated in the past 12 months, showcasing its robust market potential.
- Competitive Advantage: With the AI chip market expected to grow at nearly 60% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, Nvidia, as a key supplier of computing chips, is poised for substantial stock price increases, attracting investor interest.
See More
How to Protect Your Retirement Savings in a Volatile Market
- Importance of Cash Buffer: Establishing a cash buffer to cover two years of living expenses is crucial when retiring, as withdrawing from an IRA or 401(k) during market downturns risks locking in permanent losses, thus safeguarding retirement savings.
- Flexible Spending Strategy: Adjusting the original withdrawal plan during market volatility, such as reducing the first-year withdrawal from $100,000 to $90,000, can help preserve savings and prevent future financial shortfalls, ensuring long-term stability.
- Adaptability in Retirement Planning: While retiring in a volatile market is not ideal, focusing on building a cash buffer and maintaining flexible spending can effectively mitigate the impact of initial market turbulence on long-term retirement plans.
- Potential Social Security Benefits: Many retirees overlook social security bonuses that could add up to $23,760 annually, and understanding these secrets can enhance financial security during uncertain market conditions.
See More
Apple Celebrates 50 Years: Astounding Investment Returns
- Staggering Investment Returns: Since its IPO in 1980 at $22 per share, Apple's stock has surged to $254.65, with five stock splits resulting in an effective return of over 254,650%, showcasing its exceptional performance as an investment.
- Wealth of Early Investors: A $2,000 investment in Apple at its IPO would be worth over $5.18 million today, highlighting the immense potential of long-term holding and Apple's dominance in the tech industry.
- Market Leadership: Since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has not only led the smartphone industry but also accelerated the rapid development of mobile technology, becoming one of the world's most valuable companies with a market cap of $3.8 trillion.
- Investment Strategy Reflection: Despite Apple's outstanding performance, analysts advise investors to diversify their stock holdings to mitigate risks associated with single investments, emphasizing the importance of holding a variety of stocks in the market.
See More
Marvell Technology Shares Surge 21.3% Amid Strong Earnings and Nvidia Investment
- Earnings Beat: Marvell Technology reported a 22.1% year-over-year revenue increase to $2.2 billion in its fourth quarter, with adjusted earnings per share rising 33.3% to $0.80, surpassing analyst expectations and showcasing robust financial performance.
- Optimistic Guidance: Management anticipates a 9% sequential revenue increase in the first quarter, projecting adjusted EPS of $0.79, indicating sustained growth potential in AI infrastructure, particularly within the data center segment.
- Collaboration with Nvidia: Nvidia's announcement of a $2 billion investment in Marvell, coupled with a product partnership, is expected to enhance Marvell's market position in AI infrastructure, particularly in the application of photonic networking technologies.
- Diversified Customer Base: Marvell has added Microsoft as a client, with Microsoft's Maia2 chip likely to drive further business growth in AI chips, demonstrating the company's adaptability and strategic positioning in a competitive market.
See More
