Discovering Hidden Gems: Stocks Beyond the S&P 500 Limelight
Understanding the S&P 500's Limitations
The S&P 500 serves as a foundational benchmark index utilized by countless investors. Its prominence is largely attributed to the SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (NASDAQ: SPY), which stands out as one of the most popular index funds among passive investors. Over recent years, investing in SPY has proven beneficial, especially as major technology firms have led the market surge.
This trend has also afforded investors significant exposure to transformative sectors such as industrial automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductors. However, as the market expands its rally into various sectors, an overreliance on these tech giants can unintentionally lead investors towards greater risks and diminished returns. Notably, the composition of the SPY is dictated by market capitalization, meaning it favors stocks with the largest valuations, often at the expense of balanced fundamentals.
Currently, the top two holdings in the SPY are NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT). While the significant growth of these stocks offers clear advantages to investors, it inevitably comes at a premium, which can obscure the potential of faster-growing opportunities in the market.
For those aiming to diversify their investments, exploring small-cap and international stocks could unlock substantial growth prospects, particularly as we enter an extended innovation cycle driven by advancements in AI.
The Growth of LiDAR Technology Explained
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) represent an exciting frontier in technology. Prominent companies like Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) are deploying fleets of robotaxis and AVs in selected regions worldwide. The central question revolves around scalability, especially for businesses like Waymo that heavily rely on LiDAR technology.
Investors have taken notice of Aeva Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: AEVA), a company not surprisingly smaller in the LiDAR sector with a market capitalization of $1.3 billion. What sets Aeva apart is its innovative 4D LiDAR system, utilizing Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology to measure both distance and velocity.
The innovation to detect velocity significantly enhances LiDAR applications, paving the way for Aeva to secure multiple contracts within the AV industry by 2025. Although the company has yet to generate revenue from these contracts, its stock has impressively risen by 401% in 2025 alone.
Despite recent increases in price targets by analysts from Roth Capital and Oppenheimer, AEVA's stock faced a 20% decline over the past month, indicating the impact of high short interest, which currently stands over 17%.
Investing in Autonomous Technology for Stability
Another fascinating player is Ouster Inc (NASDAQ: OUST), which illustrates the ample opportunities within the autonomous vehicle industry, even with multiple competitors present. Ouster's strategy concentrates on LiDAR technology applications in defense, robotics, and industrial automation.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recently approved Ouster's digital LiDAR for use in unmanned aircraft, aligning with the Pentagon's expanded defense budget plans. However, the revenue generated from such projects may take time to materialize, implying that investors should be prepared for a longer wait before reaping rewards.
As of now, OUST's stock has experienced a remarkable rise of approximately 126% since 2025, including over 258% within just the last three months. This puts it well above the consensus price target, buoyed by the market's enthusiastic spirit. Nonetheless, the forthcoming earnings announcement in August could significantly impact the stock's momentum.
Team Up with a Global AI Powerhouse
Turning toward international markets, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM) stands out as a giant, boasting a market capitalization exceeding $1.25 trillion. As a major player in the semiconductor sector, TSM continues to show robust performance and growth potential.
Key contracts with industry leaders such as Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD), and NVIDIA bolster investor confidence in TSM's future. With little competition in sight, Taiwan Semiconductor remains cornerstone in the semiconductor manufacturing landscape.
TSM stock has seen a 22% increase in 2025, yet attention also shifts toward upcoming developments. The company recently reported an impressive earnings performance on July 17, revealing a whopping 50% increase in year-over-year revenue and a 66% rise in earnings per share (EPS) YOY. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, TSM continues to attract interest from institutional investors, thereby supporting a bullish outlook for its stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some benefits of investing in smaller-cap stocks?
Smaller-cap stocks often possess higher growth potential compared to established large-cap stocks. They can lead investors to niche markets and innovative technologies.
How will advancements in AI impact the stock market?
As AI continues to evolve, it will likely drive innovation across various sectors, enhancing productivity and creating new investment opportunities.
Why is diversification important in investing?
Diversifying investments mitigates risk by spreading exposure across different sectors and asset classes, reducing the impact of a poor-performing investment.
What is the significance of LiDAR technology?
LiDAR technology is crucial for the development of autonomous vehicles, enabling accurate distance measurement and advanced navigation capabilities.
How can geopolitical factors affect semiconductor stocks?
Geopolitical uncertainties can impact the supply chain and regulatory environment, potentially influencing the stock performance of semiconductor companies.
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