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One index offers US exceptionalism, mid-cap potential, and sustainability

US mid caps appear poised to benefit from lower US interest rates and increased demand for domestic exposure caused by tariff concerns. State Street Investment Management’s new ETF offers a sustainable investment strategy in this exciting market. 

tempo di lettura 5 min
Senior Equity Strategist

Investing in the United States may offer exceptional opportunities. The economy is large and robust, benefiting from diverse industries, high consumer spending, and technological innovation. The Magnificent 7 securities dominate today’s headlines, but there is more to US equities than these mega-cap tech giants. In fact, mid-cap companies are emerging as a compelling opportunity.

The strength of US exceptionalism has focused mainly on S&P 500, with the large-cap equity index outperforming S&P 400 mid-cap index year to date. This leaves large caps on much higher valuations — their one year forward price/earnings ratio stands at 22.2 vs mid-caps’ 15.5.1

The Federal Reserve’s long-awaited rate cutting cycle, along with the White House’s expected deregulation and tax cuts, may provide new tailwinds for US equities broadly. But mid-cap companies’ greater agility to adapt quickly to market changes supports their strong growth potential in today’s uncertain environment. And mid caps’ higher domestic exposure may ensure some defensiveness whilst tariff uncertainties remain.

But mid caps offer more than return potential.

Concentrate on diversification

The S&P MidCap 400 Index provides broader exposure to the US economy than the large-cap S&P 500 Index, especially in sectors like Industrials, Financials, and Consumer Discretionary. This pro-cyclical sector composition could benefit should the US economy maintain its exceptional growth trajectory, supported by leadership in AI development and a robust consumer base.

The S&P MidCap 400 earns more of its revenue domestically. US mid caps generate 77% of their income at home, compared with 60% for large caps.2 That ties mid caps more closely to American consumers, businesses, and economic momentum—positioning them to benefit from US economic resilience and pro-growth policies.

Sector Breakdown

The S&P 400 offers this exposure to the US economy without the concentration risk of the S&P 500. The top 10 holdings of S&P MidCap 400 represent just 7% of the index and the top 20 equal just 12%. For the S&P 500, the top 10 companies represent 36% of the index and the top 20 make up nearly half (46%).3

Sustainability and mid-cap magic

The S&P MidCap 400 Scored & Screened Leaders Index was launched in April 2025 and seeks to provide access to a new, targeted and more responsible investment strategy within the mid-cap segment.

Its construction methodology aims to maintain industry group weights at similar levels to the S&P MidCap 400 whilst excluding companies that have certain controversies violations or harmful business activities, such as shale energy or tobacco manufacture. The exclusion of companies that score poorly on S&P Global ESG Score also helps to give the index an improved sustainability profile.

Sector-wise, the Leaders Index is overweight in Real Estate versus the S&P 400 Index and underweight in Consumer Staples, which is partly explained by the exclusion of three securities involved in alcohol production and distribution.

In the past five years, the new index has delivered back-tested returns of 12.97% per annum (p.a.) versus 12.24% p.a. for the S&P 400 Index, with similar levels of volatility. The mid-cap index has shown close correlation (0.99), a tracking error of 1.32, and slightly higher beta (1.0).4

Ready to give portfolios a competitive mid-cap edge?

Sustainable mid caps possess a powerful combination of opportunity and diversification.

With sustainability amplifying the unique advantages of mid-cap companies, continued US exceptionalism creates a compelling investment case for mid caps offering potential for returns and resilience.

In partnership with S&P DJ indices, State Street Investment Management has launched the SPDR S&P MidCap 400 Scored & Screened Leaders UCITS ETF, which tracks the S&P MidCap 400 Scored & Screened Leaders Index. This follows investor enthusiasm for the six-year-old SPDR® S&P® 500 Leaders UCITS ETF, which uses the S&P 500 Screened & Scored Leaders Index and had a market cap of $4.6B USD, as of 30 August 2025.

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