Despite bursts of outperformance, small- and mid-cap stocks (SMID) have underperformed large-caps year to date -- as they have over the past six years. But they may be in a better position to generate market-beating returns going forward. SMID companies tend to focus on domestic markets, so their businesses might be less disrupted by the trade and tariff debate and fallout from the war with Iran. As well, the prices of SMID stocks generally are lower than the prices of large-caps, with the P/E ratio on the Russell 2000 SmallCap Index at 20, compared to a trailing P/E of 29 for the S&P 500. Finally, there are long stretches in the record books when SMID stocks have outperformed large-caps. SMID stocks do carry risk, but diversified investors look to have exposure to small- and mid-caps based on the long-term performance record. The following is a list of some of the BUY-rated stocks in Argus' recently updated Mid-Cap Model Portfolio.

Despite bursts of outperformance, small- and mid-cap stocks (SMID) have underperformed large-caps year to date -- as they have over the past six years. But they may be in a better position to generate market-beating returns going forward. SMID companies tend to focus on domestic markets, so their businesses could be less disrupted by the trade and tariff debate, fallout from unrest in the Middle East, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, issues in China, or other geopolitical developments. As well, the prices of SMID stocks generally are lower than the prices of large-caps, with the P/E ratio on the Russell 2000 SmallCap Index at 20, compared to a trailing P/E of 29 for the S&P 500. Finally, there are long stretches in the record books when SMID stocks have outperformed large-caps. SMID risks do carry risk, but diversified investors look to have exposure to small- and mid-caps based on the long-term performance record.

Wall Street is focused on rotation. Mag7 was in, now is out, but remains "in mind" for most investors. So which companies and which sectors are rising to the top so far this year in what has been a volatile start to 2026? We used our Argus screening tool to see which stocks are trading the most above their 52-week low. The sectors and companies that appear below give us clues about which sectors are weathering the current rocky conditions the best, and which might continue to do so if conditions remain challenging. The results show that there has been rotation, but often within the Information Technology sector, as IT remains the group with the most companies represented. Here are the stocks in the Argus coverage universe that are riding the rotation merry-go-round, with the percentage above their 52-week low also noted.

Flex is the largest global provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS) and related competencies. In addition to its printed circuit board (PCB) assembly and systems assembly businesses, the company provides design, logistics, components, enclosures and PCB manufacturing. Flex has expanded its customer base from OEM companies in traditional electronics and technology to nontraditional niches, such as consumer, medical and instrumentation, aerospace-defense and automotive.