The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is home to the biggest and most well-known companies in the market, making it a go-to index for investors seeking stability.
But not all large-cap stocks are created equal - some are struggling with slowing growth, declining margins, or increased competition.
While the Nasdaq 100 (^NDX) is filled with cutting-edge technology and consumer companies, not all are on solid footing.
Some are dealing with declining demand, high costs, or regulatory pressures that could limit future upside.
"Too big to fail" is how we would describe the megacap stocks in this article today.
While they will likely stand the test of time, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows as their scale can limit their ability to find new sources of growth.
Growth is oxygen.
But when it evaporates, the consequences can be severe - ask anyone who bought Cisco in the Dot-Com Bubble or newer investors who lived through the 2020 to 2022 COVID cycle.
The Russell 2000 (^RUT) is packed with potential breakout stocks, thanks to its focus on smaller companies with high growth potential.
However, smaller size also means these businesses often lack the resilience and financial flexibility of large-cap firms, making careful selection crucial.
The $10-50 price range often includes mid-sized businesses with proven track records and plenty of growth runway ahead.
They also usually carry less risk than penny stocks, though they’re not immune to volatility as many lack the scale advantages of their larger peers.
The Gold Miners ETF continues to demonstrate strength, advancing in the form of an impulsive Elliott Wave structure. The cycle that began from the October 28, 2025 low remains in progress, unfolding as a clear five-wave sequence.
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Xylem trades at $140.11 and has moved in lockstep with the market. Its shares have returned 7% over the last six months while the S&P 500 has gained 11.3%.
Heartland Express trades at $10.36 per share and has stayed right on track with the overall market, gaining 14.4% over the last six months. At the same time, the S&P 500 has returned 11.3%.
Norfolk Southern trades at $287.63 per share and has stayed right on track with the overall market, gaining 9.4% over the last six months. At the same time, the S&P 500 has returned 11.3%.
Kennametal has had an impressive run over the past six months as its shares have beaten the S&P 500 by 24.9%. The stock now trades at $33.28, marking a 36.2% gain. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.
Quest trades at $179.96 and has moved in lockstep with the market. Its shares have returned 6.9% over the last six months while the S&P 500 has gained 11.3%.
Since January 2021, the S&P 500 has delivered a total return of 83.7%. But one standout stock has nearly doubled the market - over the past five years, Allison Transmission has surged 156% to $105.96 per share. Its momentum hasn’t stopped as it’s also gained 16.8% in the last six months, beating the S&P by 5.6%.
Warby Parker’s 26.4% return over the past six months has outpaced the S&P 500 by 15.1%, and its stock price has climbed to $29.08 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.
Solventum trades at $79.45 per share and has stayed right on track with the overall market, gaining 7.3% over the last six months. At the same time, the S&P 500 has returned 11.3%.
CarMax has gotten torched over the last six months - since July 2025, its stock price has dropped 29.3% to $46.12 per share. This might have investors contemplating their next move.
Over the past six months, Medifast’s stock price fell to $11.62. Shareholders have lost 18.9% of their capital, which is disappointing considering the S&P 500 has climbed by 11.3%. This might have investors contemplating their next move.
First Interstate BancSystem’s 16.5% return over the past six months has outpaced the S&P 500 by 5.3%, and its stock price has climbed to $36.48 per share. This performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.
Since July 2025, ResMed has been in a holding pattern, floating around $254.41. The stock also fell short of the S&P 500’s 11.3% gain during that period.
Over the last six months, Ocular Therapeutix’s shares have sunk to $10.44, producing a disappointing 7.4% loss - a stark contrast to the S&P 500’s 11.3% gain. This might have investors contemplating their next move.
Impinj has been on fire lately. In the past six months alone, the company’s stock price has rocketed 72.2%, reaching $194.03 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.
The past six months have been a windfall for Cummins’s shareholders. The company’s stock price has jumped 66.8%, setting a new 52-week high of $567.59 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.
Washington Trust Bancorp has been treading water for the past six months, holding steady at $29.56. The stock also fell short of the S&P 500’s 11.3% gain during that period.
Brady’s 18.4% return over the past six months has outpaced the S&P 500 by 7.2%, and its stock price has climbed to $82.00 per share. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.
Since July 2025, BlackLine has been in a holding pattern, posting a small return of 1.4% while floating around $55.52. The stock also fell short of the S&P 500’s 11.3% gain during that period.
Since July 2025, First Busey has been in a holding pattern, posting a small loss of 2.9% while floating around $23.71. The stock also fell short of the S&P 500’s 11.3% gain during that period.
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