Portfolio Construction

US Small Caps: A Big Case for Broadening Equity Exposure

February 25, 2026 | 5 minute read
us-small-caps-a-big-case_16-9_1360x765.jpg
Portfolio Construction

US Small Caps: A Big Case for Broadening Equity Exposure

February 25, 2026 | 5 minute read
us-small-caps-a-big-case_21-9_1840x788.jpg
Portfolio Construction

US Small Caps: A Big Case for Broadening Equity Exposure

February 25, 2026 | 5 minute read
us-small-caps-a-big-case_3-1_2480x827.jpg
Author(s)
Avatar
Greg Tuorto
Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity
Avatar
Tiara Hawkins
Client Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity

Drawing on over 25 years of experience in the small-cap space, we see a compelling investment backdrop emerging for small-cap stocks globally in 2026. Here, we focus on the US market and highlight five charts that we believe present a robust case for actively investing in the asset class.

1. US growth tailwinds

Historically, US small caps have performed positively when US GDP growth is increasing. This scenario is expected in 2026, driven by tax cuts and federal spending, with Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research projecting 2.7% US GDP growth. 

Source: Goldman Sachs Asset Management, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Real Gross Domestic Product [GDPC1], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/GDPC1, sourced on February 12, 2026. 2026 growth estimate from Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research. As of February 20, 2026. 

2. Equity market broadening

We believe equity market returns may continue to broaden in 2026. A prolonged period of US small cap underperformance vs large caps may set up small caps for leadership in the coming cycle.

Source: Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Furey Research Partners, FactSet as of February 12, 2026. 

3. Earnings growth has strengthened

A scenario of market broadening will likely depend on the degree of earnings broadening. US small-cap earnings growth strengthened in 2025, and the gap vs large caps has narrowed. 

Source: Goldman Sachs Asset Management & FactSet as of December 31, 2025. Past performance does not predict future returns and does not guarantee future results, which may vary. One cannot invest directly in an index. There is no guarantee that objectives will be met. The economic and market forecasts presented herein are for informational purposes as of the date of this presentation. There can be no assurance that the forecasts will be achieved. Please see additional disclosures at the end of this presentation.

We see a powerful case for small cap outperformance this year. This is driven by a triple threat of strong US economic growth, fundamental strength in earnings and valuations, and catalytic innovative and disruptive opportunities across the landscape.
Avatar
Greg Tuorto
Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity

4. Quality’s comeback  

A “low-quality” rally occurred in 2025. Historically, these risk-on phases typically last 6–9 months, and as quality leadership returns, we believe small cap active managers investing in high-quality companies can benefit.

Source: Furey Research Partners and FactSet. As of December 31, 2025. Quality based upon return on assets (ROA), leverage, and accruals ratios. Financials and Real Estate quality based on ROA and leverage.

5. Actively navigating dispersion

There is a greater dispersion of returns between the top 50 and bottom 50 performers in the Russell 2000 vs S&P 500. This creates potential opportunities for skilled managers to identify mispriced securities and uncover hidden gems.

Source: BofA Global Research - US Equity & US Quant Strategy as of March 31, 2025.

Author(s)
Avatar
Greg Tuorto
Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity
Avatar
Tiara Hawkins
Client Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity
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