This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Albemarle is a global manufacturer of highly engineered specialty chemicals for a wide range of markets. The company became a top manufacturer of lithium (used in a number of industries but particularly for batteries in electric cars) through its January 2015 acquisition of Rockwood Holdings. Its other leading products are bromine, which is used in fire safety solutions, and catalysts used in oil refining.

At midday Wednesday, the major benchmarks were higher after the Consumer Price Index showed flat prices from the prior month. All of the major indices are higher, with the S&P 500 up 1.2%, the Nasdaq Composite up about 1.9%, the Russell 2000 popping almost 3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average bringing up the rear with a gain of 0.4%. So all is well, for now. Still ahead today is the release of the Federal Reserve's so-called 'dot plot,' which certainly has the power to impact sentiment. Elsewhere, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note was down 12 basis points to 4.28%, crude oil was up 1% at $78 per barrel, and Bitcoin was about 4% higher.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.