The Russell 2000 Index, more commonly known as the USA2000 Index, has earned its place as a critical benchmark for small-cap stocks.

In this article, we'll delve into what the Russell 2000 stock index is, its composition, how it works, and why it matters in the world of trading and finance.

Understanding the Russell 2000 Stocks Index

The Russell 2000, abbreviated as RUT, is a stock market index that measures the performance of approximately 2,000 small-cap US companies.

These companies are considered to be among the smallest in the Russell 3000 Index, which encompasses about 3,000 of the largest publicly traded US stocks.

The Russell 2000 Index is maintained by FTSE Russell, formerly known as the Frank Russell Company.

Difference between the Russell 3000 Index and Russell 2000 Index

The primary difference between both these indices lies in the size of the companies they include:

Russell 3000: This index comprises 3,000 of the largest US publicly traded stocks. It covers large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies, providing a broad view of the U.S. stock market.

Russell 2000: In contrast, the Russell 2000 includes only around 2,000 small-cap companies from within the Russell 3000. These are smaller, potentially high-growth companies with market capitalisations that are less than that of their larger counterparts.

Composition of the Russell 2000 Stocks Index

As mentioned, the Russell 2000 is composed of a diverse range of small-cap stocks across various sectors.

While the exact composition can change as companies grow or shrink, the index typically includes companies from industries such as financials, healthcare, technology, consumer discretionary, and industrials. This diversity reflects the broad spectrum of the US economy.

Why is the Russell 2000 Index significant?

Small-cap focus: This provides traders with a lens into the performance of small-cap companies, which are often considered to be at the forefront of innovation and growth.

Economic indicator: The Russell 2000 stocks index can be viewed as a barometer of the US economy. When small-cap stocks perform well, it can signal optimism about economic prospects.

Diversification: Including small-cap stocks in your trading portfolio can enhance diversification, potentially reducing overall risks.

How does the Russell 2000 work?

The Russell 2000 Index is calculated using a weighted average of its component stocks. The weighting is based on market capitalisation, with larger companies having a more substantial influence on the index's movements.

Russell 2000 stocks are reviewed annually in May and updated if necessary to reflect changes in the small-cap market.

As companies grow and their market capitalisations increase, they may be promoted to the Russell 1000 Index (large-cap) or the Russell Midcap Index (mid-cap). Smaller companies with decreasing market capitalisations may be relegated from the Russell 2000.

Russell 2000 in trading

The Russell 2000 Index plays a vital role in financial markets, offering insight into the performance of small-cap stocks and serving as a valuable diversification tool.

However, whether Russell 2000 stocks are suitable for you depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Here are some factors to consider:

Diversification: The Russell 2000 provides exposure to a wide range of small-cap stocks, offering diversification benefits to your portfolio.

Risk and reward: Small-cap stocks tend to be more volatile than their large-cap counterparts. While this can present opportunities for higher returns, it also comes with increased risk.

Market outlook: Before you decide to trade Russell 2000 stocks, it’s crucial to assess the overall market conditions to determine your outlook on small-cap stocks.

Understanding the nuances of the Russell 2000, its composition, and how it fits into your overall trading strategy is essential.

Conducting thorough research and having a clear understanding of your objectives is key to making informed trading decisions.

USA2000 (Russell 2000) Index: In a nutshell

The USA2000 Index is a small-cap index of the US stock market. It represents the bottom 2,000 companies in the Russell 3,000 stock market index, accounting for around 8% of the Russell 3,000’s market capitalisation.

The Index was created in 1984 and was the first index of small-cap stocks. Along with its variants, it has since become the benchmark of choice, accounting for around 84% of small-cap assets.

The index first broke 1,000 points on 20 May 2013 and hit a record high of 1,737.63 points in Aug 2018.

The USA2000 Index futures allow you to speculate on, or hedge against, changes in the price of thousands of small-cap US stocks. Contracts roll over on the second Friday of March, June, September, and December.

Ready to trade CFDs on indices?

Don’t forget to keep reading the blog posts in our Education Centre to expand your trading knowledge on CFDs. 

Join markets.com now to get started. Creating an account is easy. 

"When considering "CFDs" for trading and price predictions, remember that trading CFDs involves a significant degree of risk and could result in capital loss. Past performance is not indicative of any future results. This information is provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed to be investment advice."