Dow Jones Industrial Average in January: seasonality and history
Since 1897, the Dow has risen in January in 63% of years (82 of 130), with an average return of +0.92% and a median of +1.01%. That makes January its #6 month of 12.
Average+0.92%
Years up63%
Best year1976 · +14.41%
Worst year2009 · −8.84%
The seasonal path through January
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through January, all years since 1897.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2 | +0.35% | 65% |
| Jan 6 | +0.26% | 56% |
| Jan 31 | +0.24% | 56% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 20 | −0.19% | 43% |
| Jan 12 | −0.12% | 44% |
| Jan 9 | −0.09% | 47% |
Seasonal trend windows touching January
- ▲ Bullish Jan 2 – Jan 8 · 7 days · seasonal Σ +0.97%
- ▼ Bearish Jan 9 – Jan 24 · 16 days · seasonal Σ −0.37%
- ▲ Bullish Jan 25 – Feb 3 · 10 days · seasonal Σ +0.77%
January in recent years
| Year | Dow in January |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +1.73% |
| 2025 | +4.70% |
| 2024 | +1.22% |
| 2023 | +2.83% |
| 2022 | −3.32% |
| 2021 | −2.04% |
| 2020 | −0.99% |
| 2019 | +7.17% |
| 2018 | +5.79% |
| 2017 | +0.51% |
Questions
Is January a good month for the Dow?
On average, yes: +0.92% since 1897, rising in 63% of years. But the range is wide, from −8.84% in 2009 to +14.41% in 1976, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in January?
Jan 2 (+0.35%, up 65% of years), Jan 6 (+0.26%, up 56% of years), Jan 31 (+0.24%, up 56% of years).