Growth > Value
In the United States, the Russell 2000 posted a weekly performance of over 7%, outperforming the S&P 500 (+1%) and a sluggish Nasdaq 100 (-0.3%). It thus reached its highest level in two and a half years. The index is reacting positively to expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve (Fed), particularly after the latest inflation data.
Companies in the bio-sciences and bio-pharmaceuticals sector were the main contributors to this rise, with outstanding performances from Lantheus Holdings (+56%), IGM Biosciences (+55%), Sutro Biopharma (+39%) and BioAtla (+38%). Hopes of monetary easing augur well for these sectors, which could finance their costly projects more cheaply thanks to cheaper debt.
In addition, nearly 52% of companies in the index reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. Average sales rose by 0.7%, exceeding the 0.4% expected.
Performance since last week
Parmesan outperforms Mimolette and Manchego
![](http://img.zonebourse.com/stock/italie.png)
While the Spanish team La Roja were crowned European soccer champions and France shone in political entertainment, Italy emerged as the year-to-date stock market champion, far ahead of its Latin counterparts.
The FTSE MIB has significantly outperformed the European benchmark index Stoxx Europe 600 , as well as the CAC 40 andIBEX 35 . It has been trading at all-time highs for over a year, on an almost unflappable upward trajectory.
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