Stocks sharply slid at closing on Friday on news that Citigroup would likely have to allow the U.S. government to own a 36% stake in the embattled firm, and on shrinking Q4 GDP. Some of today’s small-cap gainers were Permian Basin Realty Trust (NYSE:PBT), Superior Industries (NYSE:SUP) and Aircastle (NYSE:AYR).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed down 3.93, or 1%, to 389.02. The S&P 500 closed down 2.36% to 735.09. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 119 points, or 1.66% at 7,062, its lowest close since May 7, 1997.
• For the year, the Russell is down 22.11%, the Dow is down 19.52% and the S&P 500 is down 18.62%.
• Citigroup reported it has reached a deal that will give the U.S. government up to a 36% stake in the embattled bank.
• U.S. government: Economy has shrunken at a faster-than-expected 6.2% pace in fourth quarter -- the worst showing in 25 years 
• Eastern Europe's struggling banks will receive $31.1 billion worth of emergency help from leading international financial institutions.

Small Cap Gainers:

• Permian Basin Realty Trust climbed 20% higher after Jim Cramer recommended the stock on "Mad Money" on Thursday night. See (NYSE:PBT). 
• Superior Industries closed up 19% after being upgraded to "neutral" today. See (NYSE:SUP).
• Aircastle rises 13% after seeing its Q4 adjusted profit increase by 31.8%. See (NYSE:AYR).

Small Cap Losers:

• Macquarie Infrastructure reported a widened Q4 loss; shares head south 37%. See (NYSE:MIC).
• Union group opposes aid to Principal Financial; shares tumble 25%. See (NYSE:PFG).
• A.M. Best downgrades ratings of FBL Financial Group, Inc., sending shares 24%. See (NYSE:FFG). 

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