Russell 2000 beats S&P 500 with 2026 gains
In short
The Russell 2000 is up 13% in 2026, while the S&P 500 is up nearly 10% in the same period.
What the reporting says
The Russell 2000 small-cap index is up 13% in 2026, ahead of the S&P 500's nearly 10% gain in the same period. CNBC TV18 highlighted the move in a note about Baron Capital's view that small caps could be turning around. The performance gap points to stronger relative momentum in smaller US stocks this year.
Why it matters
The Russell 2000 small-cap index is up 13% in 2026, ahead of the S&P 500's nearly 10% gain, according to CNBC TV18. The report frames the move as evidence behind Baron Capital's view that small caps may be turning around after lagging large stocks for years. The gap is relevant for investors tracking relative performance within US equities.