Small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 (^RUT) can be a goldmine for investors looking beyond the usual large-cap names. But with less stability and fewer resources than their bigger counterparts, these companies face steeper challenges in scaling their businesses.

Navigating this part of the market can be tricky, which is why we built StockStory to help you separate the winners from the laggards. That said, here are two Russell 2000 stocks that could deliver strong gains and one that may struggle to keep up.

One Stock to Sell:

Selective Insurance Group (SIGI)

Market Cap: $4.96 billion

Founded in 1926 during the early days of automobile insurance, Selective Insurance Group (NASDAQ: SIGI) is a property and casualty insurance company that sells commercial, personal, and excess and surplus lines insurance products through independent agents.

Why Does SIGI Worry Us?

1. Day-to-day expenses have swelled relative to revenue over the last five years as its combined ratio increased by 2.3 percentage points
2. Incremental sales over the last two years were less profitable as its 9.2% annual earnings per share growth lagged its revenue gains
3. Capital trends were unexciting over the last five years as its 6.4% annual book value per share growth was below the typical insurance firm

At $82.06 per share, Selective Insurance Group trades at 1.5x forward P/B. To fully understand why you should be careful with SIGI, check out our full research report (it’s free).

Two Stocks to Watch:

FTAI Infrastructure (FIP)

Market Cap: $726.8 million

Spun off from FTAI Aviation in 2021, FTAI Infrastructure (NASDAQ: FIP) invests in and operates infrastructure and related assets across the transportation and energy sectors.

Why Does FIP Stand Out?

1. Annual revenue growth of 19% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle
2. Exciting sales outlook for the upcoming 12 months calls for 73.5% growth, an acceleration from its two-year trend

FTAI Infrastructure’s stock price of $6.27 implies a valuation ratio of 11.9x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

Bowhead Specialty (BOW)

Market Cap: $822.9 million

Named after the Arctic bowhead whale known for navigating challenging waters, Bowhead Specialty Holdings (NYSE: BOW) is a specialty insurance company that provides customized coverage for complex and high-risk commercial sectors.

Why Is BOW a Top Pick?

1. Net premiums earned expanded by 37.9% annually over the last two years, demonstrating exceptional market penetration this cycle
2. Market share will likely rise over the next 12 months as its expected revenue growth of 20.5% is robust
3. Balance sheet strength has increased this cycle as its 74.5% annual book value per share growth over the last two years was exceptional

Bowhead Specialty is trading at $25.10 per share, or 1.9x forward P/B. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions

Your portfolio can’t afford to be based on yesterday’s story. The risk in a handful of heavily crowded stocks is rising daily.

The names generating the next wave of massive growth are right here in our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.