Small-Cap ETF Could Be the Best Investment of 2026 as Russell 2000 Surges 20%

The Motley Fool·6 Jul 2026·Read original

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Industry Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

Summary · why it matters

Small-cap stocks were the best-performing asset class in the first half of 2026, with the Russell 2000 index up 20% year to date, outperforming the S&P 500, Nasdaq, S&P 400 mid-cap index, and Russell 1000. Over the past 12 months, the Russell 2000 has returned 35%, compared to 27% for the Nasdaq and 20% for the S&P 500. The surge is driven by a rotation out of overvalued large-caps, an expanding AI supply chain benefiting small-cap semiconductor stocks like Aehr Test Systems, MaxLinear, Navitas, and Wolfspeed, a robust mergers and acquisitions market, and small-cap earnings expected to grow 38% to 48% in 2026, roughly double the S&P 500's rate. While declining rates have helped, potential Federal Reserve rate hikes and inherent volatility pose risks, making a small-cap ETF a prudent choice. An actively managed option like the Fidelity Enhanced Small-Cap Core ETF, up 26% year to date, offers diversified exposure.

Aehr Test Systems ▲

MaxLinear Inc ▲

Navitas Semiconductor Corp ▲

Wolfspeed, Inc. ▲