The Russell 2000 index of small-capitalization stocks rose on Monday, advancing to its latest in a series of records as investors cheered an easing of U.S.-China trade tensions. While smaller companies are seen as having less exposure to trade issues, due to their higher concentration of U.S. revenue exposure, the market segment has rallied consistently for weeks, easily outperforming its larger-cap peers. The Russell rose 0.6% in early trading, hitting an intraday record of 1,635.72. The index is on track for its fourth straight advance, as well as its 10th gain of the past 12 trading days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.3% while the S&P 500 was up 0.9% and the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1%. All three major indexes were on track to close at a two-month high.
Read the full story: Dow rallies over 300 points as easing U.S.-China trade tensions fuel optimism