Nasdaq-100 in August: seasonality and history
Since 1985, the Nasdaq-100 has risen in August in 60% of years (25 of 42), with an average return of +0.50% and a median of +1.31%. That makes August its #10 month of 12.
Average+0.50%
Years up60%
Best year2000 · +12.97%
Worst year1998 · −17.20%
The seasonal path through August
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through August, all years since 1985.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 14 | +0.38% | 61% |
| Aug 13 | +0.38% | 70% |
| Aug 7 | +0.32% | 61% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 5 | −0.49% | 32% |
| Aug 10 | −0.44% | 31% |
| Aug 28 | −0.35% | 65% |
August in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq-100 in August |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +4.18% |
| 2025 | +0.85% |
| 2024 | +1.10% |
| 2023 | −1.62% |
| 2022 | −5.22% |
| 2021 | +4.16% |
| 2020 | +11.05% |
| 2019 | −2.01% |
| 2018 | +5.84% |
| 2017 | +1.84% |
Questions
Is August a good month for the Nasdaq-100?
On average, yes: +0.50% since 1985, rising in 60% of years. But the range is wide, from −17.20% in 1998 to +12.97% in 2000, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in August?
Aug 14 (+0.38%, up 61% of years), Aug 13 (+0.38%, up 70% of years), Aug 7 (+0.32%, up 61% of years).