A significant options trade in the Russell 2000 IWM ETF, involving a $20 million strangle, suggests small-cap stocks may lead the next market move. This comes as tech stocks show signs of slowing momentum, with the Russell 2000 outperforming the Nasdaq-100 this year.
U.S. small-cap stocks are experiencing one of their strongest first halves in decades, driven significantly by the artificial intelligence infrastructure build-out. While the rally has broadened beyond tech, rising interest rates pose a significant threat, with markets pricing in potential Federal Reserve hikes.
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan will jointly launch the construction of the first power generating unit of Uzbekistan's integrated nuclear power plant via videoconference. The plant will feature two high-capacity units and two smaller 55 MW units.
Foreign portfolio investors have withdrawn over Rs 2 lakh crore from Indian equities in 2026, with May seeing further outflows of Rs 14,231 crore. Persistent global macroeconomic uncertainties, including inflation and interest rate concerns, are driving this trend, making developed market debt more attractive. Despite overall selling, some selective interest remains in specific sectors and growth-oriented mid and small-cap stocks.
