Russell 2000 in 1989
The Russell 2000 rose 14.2% in 1989, from 147.37 at the end of 1988 to 168.31. Its highest close was 180.78 on Oct 9 — a record that stood until October 16, 1991, and its lowest 146.79 on Jan 3. The biggest one-day fall was −3.7% on Oct 13 and the biggest rise +1.4% on Oct 19. Adjusted for inflation, it gained 9.1%.
Russell 2000, daily closes 1989
Numbers mark the events belowKey Events in 1989
What happened, and how the Russell 2000 moved — on the day (or the next trading day) and about a month later.
- 1
Friday, June 2 From the dataRussell 2000 sets the first of 21 record closing highs this year, at 173.41. Back above its pre-bear-market peak of 172.54 (October 5, 1987).
- 2
Wednesday, August 9Bush signs FIRREA, creating the Resolution Trust Corporation to dispose of failed thrifts. SourceRussell 2000: 0.0% that day · +1.0% a month later
- 3
Monday, October 9 From the dataLast record close of the year: 180.78.
- 4
Friday, October 13Friday the 13th mini-crash: Dow falls 190.58 points (6.91%). SourceRussell 2000: −3.7% that day · −6.6% a month later
- 5
Thursday, October 19 From the dataBiggest one-day rise of the year: +1.4%.
- 6
Thursday, November 9East Germany opens the Berlin Wall. SourceRussell 2000: −0.1% that day · +0.9% a month later
Biggest days of 1989
| Best days | Worst days | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19 | +1.4% | Oct 13 | −3.7% |
| Dec 29 | +1.2% | Jun 29 | −1.6% |
| Jan 4 | +1.1% | Mar 17 | −1.6% |
| Jul 7 | +0.9% | Dec 18 | −1.5% |
| Nov 8 | +0.9% | Oct 16 | −1.5% |
Volatility: 8.1% (annualised standard deviation of daily changes).
Month by month
| Month | Close | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 153.85 | +4.4% |
| Feb | 154.56 | +0.5% |
| Mar | 157.90 | +2.2% |
| Apr | 164.68 | +4.3% |
| May | 171.53 | +4.2% |
| Jun | 167.42 | −2.4% |
| Jul | 174.50 | +4.2% |
| Aug | 178.20 | +2.1% |
| Sep | 178.21 | 0.0% |
| Oct | 167.47 | −6.0% |
| Nov | 168.17 | +0.4% |
| Dec | 168.31 | +0.1% |
Other Markets in 1989
Change over the calendar year.
| Market | Change | Year-end |
|---|---|---|
| Russell 2000 | +14.2% | 168.31 |
| Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1989 | +27.0% | 2,753.20 |
| S&P 500 in 1989 | +27.3% | 353.40 |
| Nasdaq Composite in 1989 | +19.2% | 454.80 |
| Nikkei 225 in 1989 | +29.0% | 38,916.00 |
| Gold in 1989 | −2.8% | $398.60 |
| Silver in 1989 | −13.8% | $5.22 |
| WTI crude oil in 1989 | +27.6% | $21.84 |
| Brent crude oil in 1989 | +29.7% | $21.05 |
| US 10-year Treasury yield in 1989 | −1.21 pp | 7.93% |
Russell 2000 in 1989: FAQ
How much did the Russell 2000 rise in 1989?
The Russell 2000 rose 14.2% in 1989, from 147.37 at the end of 1988 to 168.31. Its highest close was 180.78 on Oct 9 — a record that stood until October 16, 1991, and its lowest 146.79 on Jan 3. The biggest one-day fall was −3.7% on Oct 13 and the biggest rise +1.4% on Oct 19. Adjusted for inflation, it gained 9.1%.
What were the highest and lowest closes of the Russell 2000 in 1989?
Highest: 180.78 on October 9, 1989. Lowest: 146.79 on January 3, 1989. It closed higher on 154 of 252 trading days.
What happened to the Russell 2000 on October 13, 1989?
Friday the 13th mini-crash: Dow falls 190.58 points (6.91%). The Russell 2000 fell 3.7% that day, and was −6.6% a month later.
Did the Russell 2000 reach a record high in 1989?
Yes — 21 record closing highs, the last at 180.78 on October 9, 1989.
Data: Daily closes since Sep 1987. Price index: dividends are not included. Inflation: US CPI-U. Events marked "From the data" are found automatically from the closing prices; the others are researched, with the source linked. Not investment advice.
Cite this page
For essays, articles and research. Prices on this page update daily, so the citations include today's date as the date you accessed it.
@misc{corgano2026russell2000in1989, author = {{Corgano}}, title = {Russell 2000 in 1989}, howpublished = {\url{https://goldprice.corgano.com/market-history/russell-2000/1989}}, year = {2026}, note = {Corgano Gold Price, accessed 2026-11-01}}