Why iShares Russell 2000 (NYSEARCA: IWO) Are Moving Higher Today

After a rocky, tariff-induced pullback in the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO), it’s starting to show signs of life again. Up about $6 on the day, it’s now up to $240.67. Helping, there’s hope we could see de-escalating trade war tensions.…

Published April 22, 2025, 1:53pm ET · 2 min read

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Metallic dice displaying 'BUY' and 'SELL' illustrate the critical choices investors face in the market, echoing the 'dividend dice roll' concept discussed in the article. © Bet_Noire / iStock via Getty Images

After a rocky, tariff-induced pullback in the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWO), it’s starting to show signs of life again. Up about $6 on the day, it’s now up to $240.67.

Helping, there’s hope we could see de-escalating trade war tensions. In fact, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the standoff with China is unsustainable and should soon deescalate. Granted, negotiations haven’t started yet, but a deal is possible, he added.

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There’s also hope the Federal Reserve will soon cut interest rates

Should that happen, small caps could be some of the biggest beneficiaries. That’s because a lower rate would reduce interest expenses on debt.

According to Yahoo Finance, “Traders boosted their bets on the number of Fed cuts this year to five and pulled forward their estimate of when those cuts could begin, starting at the next meeting on May 6-7. The odds of a May cut are now above 50%.”

“This would be a PERFECT time for Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to cut Interest Rates. He is always ‘late,’ but he could now change his image, and quickly,” said President Trump, adding, “CUT INTEREST RATES, JEROME, AND STOP PLAYING POLITICS!”

The IWO ETF is Also Benefiting from Rebounding Small-caps  

Fueling even more upside are stocks like Root (ROOT), which is up about 10% on the day. Last trading at $131, ROOT is one of the biggest small-cap rebounders of the day. While we’re not seeing any new news to support the move, it just starting to pivot oversold conditions.

Bitcoin mining stocks, like Hut 8 Corp. (HUT) are up about 9% on the day, as Bitcoin rallies about $3,400 higher. Other miners like CleanSpark (CLSK) are up about 13%. Cipher Mining (CIFR) is also up about 13%. Even Terawulf (WULF) is up about 15%.

All of which are helping to fuel the Russell 2000 Index and the iShares Russell 2000 higher on the day.

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Ian Cooper

Ian Cooper is a veteran market analyst and investment strategist with more than 20 years of experience covering stocks, commodities, and macro trends. Since 1999, he has helped investors identify market opportunities using a blend of technical analysis, fundamental research, and market sentiment.

He is the creator of the ADD News Flow Strategy, which focuses on trading market reactions to major news events and investor psychology. Cooper was also among the analysts who warned about the 2008 financial crisis and major financial institution collapses ahead of the broader market.

Before joining 247 Wall St., Cooper wrote extensively for InvestorPlace and other financial publications, covering market trends, trading strategies, and investment opportunities.

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