US Stocks Post Strong H1 Gains as Russell 2000 Jumps 21.9%
Updated
Updated · Quad-City Times · Jul 5
US Stocks Post Strong H1 Gains as Russell 2000 Jumps 21.9%
3 articles · Updated · Quad-City Times · Jul 5
Summary
The S&P 500 rose 9.6% in the first half through June 30, while the Nasdaq gained 12.8% and the Dow added 8.9%.
FactSet data showed corporate earnings growth of 28.8% in the first quarter and an estimated 23.1% in the second, giving investors the main reason to keep buying.
Oil's war-driven spike also faded: crude surged 68.5% to $112.95 by April 7 after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, then retreated to prewar levels.
US companies and consumers also adjusted supply chains and spending to cope with Trump-era tariffs on major trading partners including Canada, Mexico, China and the EU.
Small caps led the rally, with the Russell 2000 up 21.9%—its best first half since 1991—signaling confidence in the domestic US economy despite trade and geopolitical shocks.