Small-cap stocks outperformed major indices, with the Russell 2000 reaching a new high despite broader market weakness on Friday.
US equities ended the week on a mixed note, with the Russell 2000 small-cap index closing at a record 3,068.42, up 0.51%. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.17% and 0.28%, respectively, following softer retail sales and consumer sentiment data, alongside rising oil prices and geopolitical concerns.
The S&P 500 had reached an all-time high earlier in the week but failed to sustain momentum, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.20%. Despite Friday’s declines, most indices posted weekly gains, with the Russell 2000 leading at +1.11%, signaling broader market participation beyond large-cap stocks.
The Nasdaq 100 also advanced 1.09% for the week, reflecting strength in select tech names. The divergence between small and large caps highlights shifting investor sentiment amid economic uncertainty.