Nasdaq-100 in December: seasonality and history
Since 1985, the Nasdaq-100 has risen in December in 54% of years (22 of 41), with an average return of +1.69% and a median of +0.48%. That makes December its #6 month of 12.
Average+1.69%
Years up54%
Best year1999 · +24.98%
Worst year2002 · −11.80%
The seasonal path through December
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through December, all years since 1985.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 5 | +0.76% | 62% |
| Dec 21 | +0.74% | 71% |
| Dec 16 | +0.52% | 70% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 14 | −0.56% | 36% |
| Dec 20 | −0.29% | 59% |
| Dec 9 | −0.29% | 50% |
Seasonal trend windows touching December
- ▲ Bullish Nov 21 – Dec 8 · 18 days · seasonal Σ +4.61%
December in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq-100 in December |
|---|---|
| 2025 | −0.73% |
| 2024 | +0.39% |
| 2023 | +5.51% |
| 2022 | −9.06% |
| 2021 | +1.14% |
| 2020 | +5.05% |
| 2019 | +3.92% |
| 2018 | −8.91% |
| 2017 | +0.48% |
| 2016 | +1.10% |
Questions
Is December a good month for the Nasdaq-100?
On average, yes: +1.69% since 1985, rising in 54% of years. But the range is wide, from −11.80% in 2002 to +24.98% in 1999, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in December?
Dec 5 (+0.76%, up 62% of years), Dec 21 (+0.74%, up 71% of years), Dec 16 (+0.52%, up 70% of years).