Despite bursts of outperformance, small- and mid-cap stocks (SMID) have underperformed large-caps year to date -- as they have over the past five years. But they may be in a better position to generate market-beating returns going forward. For one thing, SMID companies tend to focus on domestic markets, so their businesses could be less disrupted by the trade and tariff debate, or 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. Finally, there are long stretches in the record books when SMID stocks have outperformed large-caps. SMID stocks can be risky, but despite those risks, diversified investors look to have exposure to small- and mid-caps based on the long-term performance record. We estimate that 20% of the U.S. stock market's capitalization is comprised of SMID stocks.

Rithm Capital Corp. is a publicly traded REIT focused on residential housing and commercial asset management. The company's investment portfolio consists of servicing assets, residential securities and loans, and consumer loans. Operating businesses include mortgage lending, servicing, appraisal, title insurance, diversified mortgage services, insurance, and property management. It also manages assets for institutional clients.

U.S. stocks closed lower on Thursday, driven by Technology, Utility and Consumer Services stocks. The worst performing stocks were NVIDIA (NVDA), down 8.5% and Super Micro Computer Inc. (SMCI), down 16%. The S&P 500 fell 1.6%, the Dow dropped 0.4% and the Nasdaq lost 2.8%.

Kinetik is a midstream operator that provides gathering and processing services to gas and oil producers as well as pipeline transportation. It operates exclusively in Texas, serving the Permian Basin and connecting fields with market hubs and other large pipelines. In addition to directly operating pipelines, Kinetik also holds ownership stakes in several pipelines that transport molecules to the Gulf Coast enabling it to obtain exposure to export markets and international demand.