Russell 2000 Hits All-Time High for 11th Straight Session Amid Economic Optimism
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 16 2026
0mins
Should l Buy CEG?
Source: Benzinga
- Strong Small-Cap Performance: The Russell 2000 index reached an all-time high for the 11th consecutive day, rising 0.4%, indicating increased investor confidence in small-cap stocks and reflecting market optimism about robust U.S. economic growth.
- Positive Economic Indicators: U.S. industrial production rose by 0.4% last month, while retail sales continued to signal resilient consumer spending, and a decrease in initial jobless claims eased concerns about a softening labor market, further supporting signs of economic recovery.
- Energy Sector Volatility: President Trump's push to accelerate power plant construction to support AI data centers led to a 7% surge in GE Vernova's stock, while Constellation Energy and Vistra Corp fell by 10% and 8%, respectively, highlighting the direct impact of policy changes on the energy market.
- Tech Stock Recovery: Micron Technology's shares jumped over 5% after board member Mark Liu purchased $7.8 million worth of company stock, reflecting insider confidence in the company's future prospects and potentially attracting more investor interest.
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Analyst Views on CEG
Wall Street analysts forecast CEG stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 276.850
Low
350.00
Averages
412.82
High
520.00
Current: 276.850
Low
350.00
Averages
412.82
High
520.00
About CEG
Constellation Energy Corporation is a producer of emissions-free energy and an energy supplier to businesses, homes and public sector customers nationwide. The Company’s nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar generation facilities have the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 16 million homes, providing about 10% of the nation's clean energy in the United States. Its segments include Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, New York, ERCOT, and Other Power Regions. Through its integrated business operations, it sells electricity, natural gas, and other energy-related products and sustainable solutions to various types of customers, including distribution utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and commercial, industrial, public sector, and residential customers in markets across multiple geographic regions. Its nuclear fleet has a generating capacity of approximately 22 gigawatts (GWs). It operates approximately 10 GWs of natural gas, oil, hydroelectric, wind, and solar generation assets.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- AI-Driven Nuclear Contracts: Constellation Energy is at the forefront of the AI-driven power boom as Big Tech secures long-term nuclear energy contracts, highlighting its pivotal role in the future energy market.
- Increased Federal Support: Growing federal support for nuclear energy is driving a surge in demand, creating a favorable market environment for Constellation Energy to capitalize on.
- Investment Opportunity Emerges: Despite a recent pullback in stock prices, this may present a compelling long-term entry point for patient investors, particularly against the backdrop of rising nuclear energy demand.
- Market Price Reference: As of February 6, 2026, Constellation Energy's stock price showed a +2.17% increase, reflecting market recognition of its future growth potential.
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- Stability and Cash Flow: Constellation Energy, the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in the U.S., reported a net income of $930 million last year, despite a year-over-year decline; however, its adjusted operating earnings improved from $860 million to $952 million, showcasing its steady cash flow and diversified energy portfolio.
- Price Volatility and Growth Potential: Vistra exhibits higher volatility with a beta of 1.44, and although its stock has slightly declined year-to-date, it trades at a reasonable forward P/E ratio of 15.5, indicating market optimism about its growth prospects, particularly due to its long-term nuclear agreement with Meta.
- Positive Signal from Buyback Policy: Vistra has completed $5.6 billion in share repurchases since 2021 and recently authorized an additional $1 billion, which is viewed as a bullish signal for long-term investors, reflecting the company's confidence in future growth.
- Diverse Investment Choices: Investors should choose stocks based on personal goals, with Constellation Energy being ideal for those seeking stability and cash flow, while Vistra may appeal to those willing to endure volatility for additional growth potential.
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- Market Performance Decline: As of February 9, 2026, Constellation Energy's stock has fallen over 23%, reflecting market concerns about its profitability, although it still offers stable cash flow and a $1.55 annual dividend per share, making it attractive for income investors.
- Profitability Fluctuations: Constellation's adjusted operating earnings improved from $860 million in Q3 2024 to $952 million in 2025, despite a net income of $930 million, which decreased from the previous year, indicating that the company still needs to enhance operational efficiency to improve profitability metrics.
- Vistra's Diversification Advantage: Vistra's flexibility in the electricity market is evident in its diversified asset portfolio, including natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy, while its long-term nuclear agreement with Meta has garnered investor interest, even though its stock has slightly declined year-to-date.
- Positive Buyback Policy: Vistra has completed $5.6 billion in share repurchases since 2021 and recently authorized another $1 billion, demonstrating confidence in future growth, although its higher volatility, with a beta of 1.44, requires investors to weigh risks against potential rewards.
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- New Power Agreement: Constellation Energy's Calpine unit has signed a significant power agreement with data center operator CyrusOne in Texas, committing to supply 380 megawatts of power and infrastructure, which is expected to enhance the company's competitive position in the rapidly growing data center market.
- Total Contract Volume: This agreement brings Constellation Energy's total contracted capacity for CyrusOne to over 1,100 megawatts, combined with two earlier 200-megawatt deals, indicating the company's robust capability to meet the rising electricity demand.
- Growing Market Demand: With the booming artificial intelligence and data economy, Constellation Energy aims to leverage its
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Constellation Energy's Selection: Constellation Energy has been chosen as the preferred energy source for the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Tennessee Titans Partnership: This decision is part of a partnership with the Tennessee Titans, indicating a commitment to sustainable energy solutions for the stadium.
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- New Agreement Signed: Constellation Energy's Calpine unit has signed a new 380 MW agreement with data center developer CyrusOne to provide power and infrastructure for a new data center near the Freestone Energy Center in Texas, further solidifying its position in the energy market.
- Expansion Plans: Calpine has also entered into an exclusive agreement to provide an additional 380 MW of power and grid connectivity for Phase 2, which not only meets the growing demand for data centers but also lays the groundwork for future business expansion.
- Total Contract Capacity Increase: This deal brings the total contracted power capacity for CyrusOne's data centers in Texas to over 1,100 MW, demonstrating the company's strong performance and increased market share in a rapidly growing sector.
- Acquisition Completed: Last month, Constellation Energy completed its $16.4 billion acquisition of Calpine, further enhancing its competitive edge in the nuclear and renewable energy sectors, which is expected to drive future growth potential.
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