---
title: "GAP, SG, COTY: Russell 2000 Index Hits All-Time High as Small-Cap Stocks Outperform"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/290600930.md"
description: "The Russell 2000 index hit an all-time high of 3,004.40 on June 22, driven by a surge in small-cap stocks as investors shift capital away from overvalued AI-related tech shares. Up 20% this year, small-caps are outperforming other U.S. indices amid defensive portfolio strategies. Notable examples include Gap, Sweetgreen, and Coty, though analyst ratings vary."
datetime: "2026-06-23T19:04:35.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/290600930.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/290600930.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/290600930.md)
---

# GAP, SG, COTY: Russell 2000 Index Hits All-Time High as Small-Cap Stocks Outperform

Small-cap stocks are surging amid a rout in high-flying technology names associated with the artificial intelligence (AI) trade.

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With the Nasdaq (NDAQ) index down nearly 500 points on June 23, the Russell 2000 index of small-cap stocks is sitting at an all-time high. The Russell 2000 closed above 3,000 for the first time on June 22, finishing trading at a record high of 3,004.40.

The small-cap stock index is up 20% this year and outpacing all other U.S. indices. The latest move higher in small-cap stocks comes as investors shift capital away from richly valued technology shares and mega-cap stocks tied to the AI infrastructure buildout.

## **Investors Play Defense**

Small-cap stocks are benefiting as investors get defensive with their portfolios and look for shares of companies that are undervalued. Small-cap stocks are loosely defined as securities with a market capitalization of less than $10 billion.

Examples of well-known small-cap stocks include restaurant chain Sweetgreen (SG), clothing retailer The Gap (GAP), and beauty company Coty (COTY). Some analysts say small-cap stocks are likely to continue outperforming this year should the move away from overvalued technology stocks continue.

## **Comparing Small-Cap Stocks**

Below is a chart comparing the small-cap stocks mentioned in this article. As one can see, only The Gap carries a Buy rating, while Sweetgreen and Coty each have Hold ratings attached to their stocks. These ratings come after a big rally in small-caps this year.

### Related Stocks

- [SG.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/SG.US.md)
- [COTY.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/COTY.US.md)
- [GAP.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/GAP.US.md)
- [.IXIC.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/.IXIC.US.md)

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