The Russell 2000 Index is a stock market index measuring the performance of approximately 2,000 small-cap companies in the United States. Created in 1984 by FTSE Russell, it serves as a key benchmark for small-cap equities and is often used to gauge the health and sentiment of the broader small-cap market. The index is a subset of the Russell 3000 and is closely watched by investors seeking exposure to smaller, growth-oriented firms.