Russell 2000 closes 0.3 percent higher as SpaceX lifts stocks
Published on 10/21/2026 at 22:52 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSProfit reports and Thursday data
- Russell 2000 closed at 2,781 points on October 21, 2026, up 7.60 points and 0.3 percent.
- SpaceX profit news helped lift AI-linked stocks as the Nasdaq rose 1.1 percent.
- Capital One Financial profit news helped lift stocks as the Dow gained 0.7 percent.
- Initial jobless claims are due October 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET, forecast at 200,000.
The Russell 2000 closed at 2,781 points on October 21, 2026, up 7.60 points or 0.3 percent, according to AP. Strong profit reports helped lift US stocks, with the Nasdaq up 1.1 percent.
The close was 6 points below the 2,787-point level seen at 1:30 p.m. ET. Capital One Financial was among the companies cited in the market advance, while SpaceX profit news supported AI-linked stocks.
Why did Russell 2000 rise?
AP said stronger-than-expected profit reports from SpaceX, Capital One Financial and other companies supported equities. The Russell 2000 gained less than the Nasdaq, but still advanced as the broader market moved higher.
SpaceX's results also lifted Tesla, according to AP. Netflix and other companies facing growth concerns fell, limiting gains in parts of the market.
Profit reports broadened the rally
The Russell 2000 rose 59.65 points, or 2.2 percent, during the week through Wednesday. It gained 299.11 points, or 12.1 percent, in 2026, based on AP's index summary.
The day's market move reflected a stronger advance in growth stocks than in small caps. AP reported gains of 0.7 percent for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and 1.1 percent for the Nasdaq.
What comes next for Russell 2000
- October 22, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET: Initial jobless claims are forecast at 200,000, versus 199,000 previously, Investing.com reports.
- October 22, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET: The US leading index is forecast to fall 0.2 percent, compared with a 0.1 percent decline previously, Investing.com reports.
Russell 2000 price data for October 21, 2026
The Russell 2000 closed at 2,781 points on October 21, 2026, up 7.60 points or 0.3 percent, according to AP. The index was up 59.65 points, or 2.2 percent, for the week and 299.11 points, or 12.1 percent, for the year.
Russell 2000 by the numbers on October 21, 2026
- Index: Russell 2000
- Home exchange: NYSE and Nasdaq, United States
- Close on October 21, 2026: 2,781 points
- Change versus previous close: up 7.60 points (up 0.3 percent)
- Top gainer: Not substantiated
- Top loser: Not substantiated
- Next scheduled event: October 22, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET: Initial jobless claims
