Russell 2000 vs M2 Money Supply
Since 2000, Russell 2000 has shown a nominal return of +381.3%, while M2 money supply has grown by +366.7%. When adjusted for M2 money supply expansion, Russell 2000's real return is +3.1%.
Key Insights
Russell 2000 has returned +381.3% nominally since 2000, but only +3.1% when adjusted for M2 money supply expansion. This means approximately 99.2% of Russell 2000's price appreciation is due to monetary expansion rather than real value growth.
Performance Summary
Period: June 5, 2000 to November 3, 2025
What This Means
Russell 2000 has outperformed M2 money supply expansion, showing positive real returns. While monetary expansion has contributed to price appreciation, Russell 2000 has also demonstrated real value growth.
Adjusting stock performance for M2 money supply expansion reveals how much of price appreciation is due to monetary policy versus real value growth. This perspective helps investors understand whether an asset is generating genuine wealth or simply keeping pace with money supply growth.