Small-cap stocks faced a challenging environment for the last several years as inflation and high interest rates dampened lending opportunities. These companies—which are often in the early stages of development and lack stability—rely heavily on debt to fuel their growth.
Fortunately for the small-cap space, the Federal Reserve's September rate cut of 50 basis points is a welcome relief that should make borrowing more accessible. The fact that the Fed has signaled that additional rate cuts are likely in the months to come makes the coming economic environment look all the more appealing for small-cap companies.
In anticipation of lowered rates, the small-cap-focused Russell 2000 Index is up by more than a quarter in the last year. While the increasingly favorable rate landscape should be a boon to small-caps in general, some companies will benefit more than others. Investors looking to small-cap stocks should consider a range of fundamentals and analyst forecasts.
TZOO: Shift to Paid Model Has Driven Stock Rally
Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ: TZOO) provides a variety of websites and mobile apps relating to travel. The firm instituted a $40 annual membership fee at the start of 2024 after previously providing a similar set of services for free. While the shift to a fee-based subscription undoubtedly upset some ...
