The Russell 2000 index posted gains of 1.4% this week as small-cap energy firms benefited from rising crude prices above $80 per barrel. In course investing scenarios, energy sector allocations may hedge against inflation risks, with projected returns holding above the market average. It was Canaccord analyst George Gianarikas who set that $21 price target on Rivian shares last month, and he cited two key factors to justify his optimistic view. The first focused on the R2 -- Rivian's first affordable, mass-market model, which is expected to begin production in early 2026. In Europe, where Russia is using drones to bombard Ukraine and even test the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s resolve , a new generation of start-ups is sidestepping how countries have traditionally built their arsenals. Instead of waiting for governments to propose and fund projects, private investors are using their own money to speed up financing, research and prototypes, hoping that buyers will follow. Currency markets saw a marginal dollar index decline, benefiting U.S. exporters. For course investing diversification, currency-hedged equity positions are being adopted to manage foreign exchange risks.