International Small Cap Equities Are Gaining Momentum
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Most portfolios are more U.S.-heavy than investors realize. International small cap is one of the most overlooked gaps—and conditions for closing it are improving.

International small cap equities make up a significant portion of the global market, yet many investors have minimal (or no) exposure to this asset class. However, many of the challenges international small caps have faced in recent years have abated, and signs suggest the asset class could be poised to continue the strong performance experienced in 2025.

 

A note about risk 

All investing involves risks of fluctuating prices and the uncertainties of rates of return and yield inherent in investing. You could lose money on your investment and any of the following risks, among others, could affect investment performance. The following principal risks are presented in alphabetical order which does not imply order of importance or likelihood: China Investing Risks – Investing through Stock Connect; Company; Convertible Securities; Credit; Currency; Derivative Instruments; Environmental, Social, and Governance (Equity); Environmental, Social, and Governance (Multi-Manager); Environmental, Social, and Governance (Qualitative); Foreign (Non-U.S.) Investments/ Developing and Emerging Markets; Index Strategy (Fund); Growth Investing; Interest Rate; Investment Model; Liquidity; Market; Market Disruption and Geopolitical; Other Investment Companies; Real Estate Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts; Securities Lending; Small-Capitalization Company; Value Investing. Investors should consult the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information for a more detailed discussion of the Fund’s risks.

IM5289373

1 As of 03/01/26. Source: Bloomberg.

2 As of 03/11/26. Source: Bloomberg, FactSet, Voya IM

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. This market insight has been prepared by Voya Investment Management for informational purposes. Nothing contained herein should be construed as (i) an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security or (ii) a recommendation as to the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling any security. Any opinions expressed herein reflect our judgment and are subject to change. Certain statements contained herein may represent future expectations or other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation, (1) general economic conditions, (2) performance of financial markets, (3) interest rate levels, (4) increasing levels of loan defaults, (5) changes in laws and regulations and (6) changes in the policies of governments and/or regulatory authorities. The opinions, views and information expressed in this commentary regarding holdings are subject to change without notice. The information provided regarding holdings is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Fund holdings are fluid and are subject to daily change based on market conditions and other factors.

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