Itron is a technology provider serving the global energy and water industries. Since its founding in 1977, the company has provided handheld computer systems for collecting data from meters. Itron also offers hardware, software, and services that integrate the creation, collection, measurement, management, and forecasting of data, thus allowing utilities to share critical knowledge with other market participants, including end users. More than 8,000 customers in more than 100 countries use the company's technology to optimize their delivery and use of energy and water. Headquartered in Liberty Lake, Washington, Itron employs about 5,000 people. ITRI shares are a component of the Russell 2000 Index.

Stocks are rocketing higher following a deal over the weekend between China and the U.S. to pause tariffs for 90 days. This follows two days of negotiating between trade representatives from both sides over the weekend in Switzerland. The major indices are up between 2%-3% at Monday midday. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note is 4.44%. Oil is up 2% at $62 per barrel.

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.

Itron is a technology provider serving the global energy and water industries. Since its founding in 1977, the company has provided handheld computer systems for collecting data from meters. Itron also offers hardware, software, and services that integrate the creation, collection, measurement, management, and forecasting of data, thus allowing utilities to share critical knowledge with other market participants, including end users. More than 8,000 customers in more than 100 countries use the company's technology to optimize their delivery and use of energy and water. Headquartered in Liberty Lake, Washington, Itron employs about 5,000 people. ITRI shares are a component of the Russell 2000 Index.