Small-Cap Rally Set to Fizzle in Second Half

Small caps are having a moment, but that doesn't mean the good times will keep rolling. The Russell 2000 gained 21.9% in the first half of 2026, crushing the S&P 500’s 9.6% in the same period, according to Dow Jones Market Data. The Federal Reserve is more hawkish, with investors expecting rate hikes before year end.