Russell 2000 falls 1.7 percent as chip selloff deepens
Published on 10/16/2026 at 23:20 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSWeekly losses and Monday data
- Russell 2000 fell 46 points to 2,721 points on October 16, down 1.7 percent.
- Chip stocks weakened as AI investment concerns pressured technology shares, with Intel down 5.8 percent.
- Intel fell 5.8 percent, while Micron Technology lost 5.6 percent during Friday trading.
- October 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET brings the NAHB Housing Market Index, forecast at 31.
The Russell 2000 fell 46 points, or 1.7 percent, to 2,721 points on October 16, 2026, according to The Associated Press. Chip stocks dragged on U.S. equities as concerns about the durability of artificial-intelligence spending deepened.
Intel fell 5.8 percent and Micron Technology lost 5.6 percent, the Associated Press reported. The Russell 2000 lost 46 points from the 2,767-point level cited before Friday's session.
Why did the Russell 2000 fall on Friday?
Technology shares were the main drag as investors questioned how long the AI investment surge can continue. The selloff extended across chip companies, with Intel and Micron among the clearest pressure points.
The broader market also weakened. The S&P 500 fell 1.1 percent and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.1 percent, while the Russell 2000 declined 1.7 percent, the Associated Press said.
Russell 2000 posts a 3 percent weekly loss
The small-cap index lost 85.61 points, or 3 percent, over the week. It remained up 239.46 points, or 9.6 percent, for the year, based on the Friday closing figures published by The Associated Press.
What comes next for Russell 2000
- October 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET: NAHB Housing Market Index, forecast at 31 versus 32 previously, Investing.com reports.
- October 19, 2026, 10:30 a.m. ET: Three-month and six-month Treasury bill auctions, with previous rates of 4.085 percent and 4.200 percent, according to Investing.com.
- October 19, 2026: Fifth Third Bancorp and Cleveland-Cliffs are scheduled to report before the open, 247WallSt says.
Russell 2000 price data for October 16, 2026
The Russell 2000 closed at 2,721 points on October 16, 2026, according to The Associated Press. It fell 46 points, or 1.7 percent, from the previous close of 2,767 points.
Russell 2000 by the numbers on October 16, 2026
- Index: Russell 2000
- Home exchange: NYSE and Nasdaq, United States
- Close on October 16, 2026: 2,721 points
- Change versus previous close of October 15, 2026: down 46 points (down 1.7 percent)
- Previous close: 2,767 points
- Next scheduled event: October 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET: NAHB Housing Market Index
