A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after softer-than-expected inflation data appeared to cool expectations for further interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Recent economic reports, including a June CPI of 3.5% and lower-than-expected producer prices, have helped bolster investor confidence that inflationary pressures may be easing.

Banks serve as the backbone of the economy, facilitating lending, deposits, and financial services that keep businesses and consumers moving forward. Market leaders have certainly capitalized on rising interest rates and strong loan demand to boost profitability, helping fuel a 8.6% gain for the banking industry over the past six months. This performance has closely followed the S&P 500.

Small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 (^RUT) can be a goldmine for investors looking beyond the usual large-cap names. But with less stability and fewer resources than their bigger counterparts, these companies face steeper challenges in scaling their businesses.