You can easily compare performance of that ETF versus the large-cap SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA: SPY). CME also notes that small and mid-cap stocks historically outperform large during periods of economic turbulence, such as inflation, volatile interest rates, recession and early-stage recoveries. Returning to the idea of quality small caps, it’s worth noting that among the group of top earners that also boast strong recent price action, none hail from the financials sector.