Nasdaq-100 in April: seasonality and history
Since 1985, the Nasdaq-100 has risen in April in 60% of years (25 of 42), with an average return of +1.79% and a median of +1.53%. That makes April its #4 month of 12.
Average+1.79%
Years up60%
Best year2001 · +17.92%
Worst year2000 · −14.20%
The seasonal path through April
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through April, all years since 1985.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 5 | +0.79% | 63% |
| Apr 9 | +0.59% | 64% |
| Apr 17 | +0.55% | 66% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 4 | −0.50% | 33% |
| Apr 3 | −0.47% | 52% |
| Apr 20 | −0.42% | 34% |
Seasonal trend windows touching April
- ▲ Bullish Apr 21 – May 5 · 15 days · seasonal Σ +2.63%
April in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq-100 in April |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +15.64% |
| 2025 | +1.52% |
| 2024 | −4.46% |
| 2023 | +0.49% |
| 2022 | −13.37% |
| 2021 | +5.88% |
| 2020 | +15.19% |
| 2019 | +5.46% |
| 2018 | +0.37% |
| 2017 | +2.71% |
Questions
Is April a good month for the Nasdaq-100?
On average, yes: +1.79% since 1985, rising in 60% of years. But the range is wide, from −14.20% in 2000 to +17.92% in 2001, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in April?
Apr 5 (+0.79%, up 63% of years), Apr 9 (+0.59%, up 64% of years), Apr 17 (+0.55%, up 66% of years).