SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/08/13 -- The U.S. large cap Russell 1000® Index reached a new all-time price level high of 854.75 as of market close on Tuesday, March 5th, representing a 2.43 point increase from its previous record close, on October 9th, 2007. The Index returned 8.6% year-to-date as of March 5th.

The U.S. all-cap Russell 3000® Index reached a new all-time price level high of 916.50 as of market close on Tuesday, March 5th, representing a 4.14 point increase from its previous record close, on February 19th, 2013. The Index returned 8.7% year-to-date as of March 5th.

"The US continues in a grinding recovery with the private economy now holding its own in the fact of very challenging policy and political risks. In markets it appears we're beginning to see strong momentum and -- while it's early days -- there appears to be asset rotation into equities from cash and bonds. At this point sentiment seems to have the upper hand over fundamentals, which haven't changed dramatically," said Stephen Wood, Chief Market Strategist at Russell Investments. "By the end of the year we're expecting modest upward movement for the broad market; high single digit returns for U.S. equities, but surrounded by volatility."

Russell Index All-Time Price Levels

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index                Price Level @      Last All-Time      Last All-Time
                     3/5/13 Market    Price Level High   Price Level High
                         Close                                 Date
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russell 1000®           854.75             852.32            10/9/2007
Index
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russell 3000®           916.50             912.36            2/19/2013
Index
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Russell Index Returns

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Index                                2013 Year-to-Date Return as of 3/5/13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russell 1000® Index                                   8.6%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russell 3000® Index                                   8.7%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Russell Investments

Please note: Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance, and are not indicative of any specific investment. Russell's publication of the Indexes or Index constituents in no way suggests or implies a representation or opinion by Russell as to the attractiveness of investing in a particular security. Inclusion of a security in an Index is not a promotion, sponsorship or endorsement of a security by Russell and Russell makes no representation, warranty or guarantee with respect to the performance of any security included in a Russell Index.

Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.

Returns provided are US dollar-denominated.

Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional. The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual entity.

Russell Investment Group is a Washington, USA corporation, which operates through subsidiaries worldwide, including Russell Investments, and is a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.