The group kept lagging last year as markets braced for a recession that would especially hurt economically sensitive small caps. And although the market isn't on small caps' side, Rendino believes historical precedent is. However, Rendino isn't discouraged by small caps' slow start and is instead pleased that his firm is outperforming. "Small caps were up in the fourth quarter, and we're having a really good year," Rendino said. "And I know why companies aren't in the good graces of investors and why certain investors shy away from companies."

---

Persons: —, Kevin Rendino, Rendino, Russell, He's, Rendino isn't, he's, we're, we've, Benjamin Graham, David Dodd Organizations: Service, Business, Capita, Federal Reserve, Capital, Federal