Russell 2000
Small-Cap Slump: Russell 2000 Tumbles as Sticky Inflation Data Revives 'Higher-for-Longer' Fears
The Russell 2000 index, the primary benchmark for American small-cap stocks, suffered a significant sell-off on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, as a batch of conflicting economic data sparked fears that the Federal Reserve will remain hawkish well into the new year. While the blue-chip S&P 500 (INDEXSP: .INX)