IJS: Small-Cap Value Stocks Remain Attractive Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Value ETF has had a strong start to 2026, benefiting from cheap valuations and a focus on the energy-exporting U.S. economy. IJS holdings trade at only 16.5x their trailing earnings, a circa 40% discount to the S&P 500. While the ETF's smaller allocation to the information technology sector likely entails fewer benefits from AI growth, its long-term earnings growth should benefit from retained earnings and U.S. GDP growth.