Russell 2000 closes 0.4 percent higher as Fed nears
Published on 10/26/2026 at 23:05 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSRates and small-cap momentum
- Russell 2000 finished October 26, 2026 at 2,786.42 points, up 10.53 points or 0.4 percent.
- The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates at 3.75 percent to 4.00 percent on October 28.
- AI-related stocks stayed unsettled while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.8 percent.
- Durable goods data arrive October 27 at 8:30 a.m. ET before consumer confidence at 10:00 a.m. ET.
The Russell 2000 closed at 2,786.42 points on October 26, 2026, up 10.53 points or 0.4 percent, AP News reported. Attention now turns to the Federal Reserve's policy decision on October 28 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
The index has gained 304.52 points, or 12.3 percent, this year. AP said U.S. stocks advanced as AI-related shares remained unsettled after weeks of sharp swings.
Why did the Russell 2000 rise on Monday?
The Russell 2000 rose alongside gains across major U.S. indexes. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.8 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3 percent, AP reported. The session came before a week featuring the Federal Reserve and major corporate earnings.
Rate expectations shaped the backdrop. Reuters said futures priced a 90 percent chance of no rate increase at the October 27-28 meeting, with the target range expected to remain 3.75 percent to 4.00 percent.
Russell 2000 course and yearly balance
The small-cap index finished 10.53 points above its previous close. Its gain brought the year-to-date advance to 304.52 points, or 12.3 percent, according to AP. No official day range or constituent ranking was substantiated in the available closing coverage.
What comes next for Russell 2000
- October 27, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET: September durable goods orders, with the preliminary release scheduled by CNBC.
- October 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET: October consumer confidence and September new home sales, CNBC reports.
- October 28, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET: Federal Reserve rate decision, with markets pricing a 90 percent chance of a hold, Reuters reports.
Russell 2000 price data for October 26, 2026
The Russell 2000 closed at 2,786.42 points on October 26, 2026, up 10.53 points or 0.4 percent versus the previous close, AP News reported. The index was up 304.52 points, or 12.3 percent, year to date.
Russell 2000 by the numbers on October 26, 2026
- Index: Russell 2000
- Home exchange: Nasdaq, United States
- Close on October 26, 2026: 2,786.42 points
- Change versus previous close of October 23, 2026: up 10.53 points (up 0.4 percent)
- Next scheduled event: October 27, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET: September durable goods orders
