The Russell 2000 Stocks Rebounding in Style

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It’s time for investors to take a closer look at the oversold Russell 2000 stocks. These small-cap stocks, once considered lackluster after a tough 2023, are now showing vigor and resilience. Tucked away around 1,650 in late October, the Russell 2000 index has since surged to 2,000. Picture it: a phoenix rising from the ashes. What a turnaround!

Goldman Sachs has thrown its weight behind the resurgence of smaller-cap stocks. The investment bank predicts a potential breakout above large caps this year. According to Goldman Sachs analyst Ben Snider, the Russell 2000 should see returns of about 9% in the next 6 months and a whopping 15% in the following 12 months. Those figures overshadow the 7% anticipated gain for the large-cap S&P 500 by year-end, or 9% when including dividends.

So, what are some of the oversold Russell 2000 stocks that deserve a spot on your watchlist? Let’s dive in and explore a few standout candidates.

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (AMLX)

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Source: Hernan E. Schmidt / Shutterstock.com

Behold Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: AMLX), rising like a phoenix from its decline to less than $12 from about $25. The company reported stellar news – its ALS drug, Relyvrio, raked in $108.4 million in sales, outperforming projections. It’s impossible not to root for this underdog.

Looking ahead, exciting developments loom on the horizon for Amylyx. The company anticipates unveiling Phase 2 results of its Relyvrio treatment for patients with Wolfram syndrome by the second half of the year. Meanwhile, Phase 3 trials for progressive supranuclear palsy and Phase 2 trials targeting Alzheimer’s disease are in progress.

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (ARWR)

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Don’t count out Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ARWR), with shares rebounding from about $40 to $28.53. Despite a recent earnings stumble, the company is on the cusp of something special.

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals is at the forefront of RNAi mechanism research, making headway in treating stubborn diseases resistant to conventional therapies. Its Targeted RNAi Molecule is revolutionizing drug discovery with its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Not to mention, therapies for hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia are in the pipeline. Keep an eye on this one – Bank of America is bullish on ARWR with a target price of $51.

Murphy Oil (MUR)

Murphy Oil (MUR) logo on the website homepage.

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Enter Murphy Oil (NYSE: MUR), a standout in the oversold Russell 2000 stocks arena. Rebounding from a drop to about $37 from $48, MUR found solid support and started its upward trajectory. The stock’s journey back to $44 is worth keeping an eye on.

While we watch MUR climb, let’s not forget the cherry on top – a juicy dividend yield of 3.04%. Shareholders are set to receive a quarterly cash dividend of 30 cents per share, equating to an annual payout of $1.20. According to CEO Roger Jenkins, a strategic financial approach has bolstered Murphy Oil. With debts reduced and a substantial dividend increase, the company is on track for a promising 2024.

Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund (VTWO)

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The Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund (VTWO)

The stock market is a complex ecosystem, with ETFs like the Vanguard Russell 2000 Index Fund (NASDAQ:VTWO) mirroring the ups and downs of the economy. Since the early days of November, VTWO has surged from around $65 to approximately $80, hinting at a promising trajectory. Market enthusiasts hope to see it challenge the $93 mark, showcasing resilience amidst fluctuations. With an expense ratio of merely 0.1%, VTWO carves a path through the investment landscape, offering a diversified portfolio within the index.

The Rise of Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC)

Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC) recently emerged as a power player in the market, soaring from $2.40 to a staggering high of $8.34, before retracing slightly to $6.51. Despite temporary setbacks, UEC remains a strong contender, bolstered by a global surge in demand due to mounting supply constraints. With 22 countries committing to tripling their nuclear capacity by 2050 at the 28th Annual UN Climate Change Conference, the future looks bright for UEC, as pressure mounts on uranium reserves worldwide.

Insights into Duolingo’s (DUOL) Success Story

Duolingo (NASDAQ:DUOL) embodies resilience and innovation in the stock market. After a rally from $69 to a peak of $245, DUOL smoothly corrected back to $177.03, drawing attention with its remarkable performance. Fuelled by robust earnings reports, DUOL posted stellar results, surpassing expectations and igniting investor confidence. Bolstered by strong projections and a positive outlook for the future, DUOL showcases the potential for continued growth and expansion.

The Strategic Shift of Goodyear Tire & Rubber (GT)

Amidst the market dynamics, Goodyear Tire & Rubber (NASDAQ:GT) displays strategic resilience. Despite initial turbulence, GT is on a trajectory to reclaim lost ground and potentially test new highs. The company’s recent transformation plan, focusing on asset sales, debt reduction, and cost-cutting measures, signals a strategic shift towards stability and growth. Analysts’ optimistic ratings and upward price targets reflect the market’s confidence in GT’s future prospects, painting a positive picture for investors looking for stability and potential returns.

As the financial markets ebb and flow, these emerging trends delineate the intricate dance of investments, opportunities, and strategic maneuvers that define the modern market ecosystem. Astute investors poised to seize these opportunities stand to navigate the tumultuous waters of the financial landscape successfully, harnessing the potential for growth and prosperity.

On the date of publication, Ian Cooper did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Ian Cooper, a contributor to InvestorPlace.com, has been analyzing stocks and options for web-based advisories since 1999.

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