Navigating the Volatile Currents of Small-Cap Equities
Small-Cap Surge: A Resurgence in Investor Confidence
The third quarter witnessed a significant upturn for small-cap stocks, with the Russell 2000 Index experiencing a substantial rally. This impressive performance marked its strongest quarterly gain since 2021, driven by evolving market sentiments. A key catalyst for this resurgence was the increasing belief among investors that the Federal Reserve would likely implement reductions in short-term interest rates. Additionally, there was a growing sense of optimism that tariffs, often a point of concern for businesses, might have a less severe impact on smaller enterprises compared to their larger counterparts.
Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Fund: Underperforming Amidst Market Gains
Despite the broader market's positive momentum, the Virtus KAR Small-Cap Growth Fund (Class I) recorded a notable underperformance, posting a return of -9.56% for the quarter. This contrasted sharply with the Russell 2000 Growth Index, which achieved a return of 12.19% during the same period. The fund's performance was negatively affected by a combination of factors, including its stock selection strategy and an overweight position in the financials sector. Furthermore, specific stock choices within the information technology sector also detracted from its overall returns.
Challenges in Information Technology and Enterprise Software
The underperformance in the information technology sector can be attributed to several headwinds. Concerns regarding a slowdown in enterprise software spending, fueled by macroeconomic uncertainties, played a significant role. The emergence and rapid development of generative artificial intelligence also introduced a new layer of complexity, impacting market valuations and investor confidence in certain established software companies. These factors collectively contributed to the fund's struggles within this key growth sector.