New Delhi, March 23 -- US small cap stocks have finally broken out of their long slump-and they've done it fast. The Russell 2000 is modestly positive in 2026, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 are down roughly 3-4% year-to-date, according to multiple performance trackers. That means small caps have "outran" large caps in the opening laps of 2026, just as many investors were underweight the segment in their US stock market portfolios. If you feel like you "missed the first 10%," the answer is not to panic-buy; it's to respond with a plan.

Here are six ways to rebuild exposure to US small cap stocks now-while staying aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.

Every bull phase in small caps starts with a violent move off the low...