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First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:AFSM - Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 13,612 shares, a growth of 85.2% from the February 12th total of 7,350 shares. Currently, 0.6% of the shares of the company
AI-related equity jitters are unlikely to be resolved overnight and eurozone government bonds could actually come out as a winner. Relative to euro rates, US equity volatility is reaching highs similar to previous crisis periods. A global rebalancing of portfolios could see significant demand for euro rates, mitigating the upward rate pressure.
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:AFSM - Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 23,272 shares, an increase of 373.9% from the December 15th total of 4,911 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 6,976
Halftime in 2025 threw a spotlight on active small- and midcap funds via the SPIVA U.S. Mid-Year 2025 report. The trend of active ETF launches is outpacing their passive peers this year.
Strong returns in U.S. stocks, particularly over the past two plus years, have led investors to question the relative lack of companies going public via the IPO process — as well as the potential implications for the IPO market in the long term. According to active equity managers, a combination of increased public market regulation, a reduced pipeline of potential offerings following the prior boom, the rising role of large private asset managers in capital raising, and near-term uncertainty surrounding government policy are all contributing factors. At Russell Investments, we think investors benefit from taking a long-term view.
The new year is poised for a resurgence in tech IPOs, as lower interest rates and an investor shift to small- and mid-cap companies combine to create a more welcoming market for debuts. The current environment presents the most favorable conditions for the recovery of IPOs in the past three years. The S&P 400 Midcap Index and the S&P 600 Index have outperformed the S&P 500 Index since the US election Nov. 5.
The Federal Reserve kept rates steady and maintained a hawkish stance toward inflation while acknowledging an outstanding economy and progress in vanquishing inflationary pressure. Expectations for rate cuts in March were dampened by a change in statement language and Powell's comments in the press conference.
Ten stocks have dominated US equity market gains for most of this year. But the rest of the market may be waking up.