View from the Observation Deck 

1. Today's blog post is intended to expose potential opportunities within the growth and value styles of investing, as well as by market capitalization (market cap).
2. At any given time, the equities markets are likely being led up or down by one of the three market cap classifications (large-cap, mid-cap or small-cap). Often this leadership role can be held for a multi-year period.
3. From 1995-1999, large-cap stocks outperformed their mid- and small-cap counterparts by a sizable margin. From 2000-2012, mid- and small-caps outperformed large-caps by an even bigger margin.
4. From 12/31/12 through 3/26/18, small-cap stocks performed the best. The S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400 and the S&P SmallCap 600 Indices posted cumulative total returns of 107.90%, 99.60% and 112.19%, respectively, according to Bloomberg.
5. Growth stocks have the edge year-to-date through 3/26/18 (see table), with the S&P 500 Growth Index as the top performer. Growth stocks also outperformed value stocks in each of the three respective market caps in 2017, according to Bloomberg.
6. All six indices have 2018 and 2019 consensus estimated year-end P/E ratios below their respective three-year averages as of 3/26/18.

The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. First Trust has no knowledge of and has not been provided any information regarding any investor. Financial advisors must determine whether particular investments are appropriate for their clients. First Trust believes the financial advisor is a fiduciary, is capable of evaluating investment risks independently and is responsible for exercising independent judgment with respect to its retirement plan clients.

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