Nasdaq-100 in March: seasonality and history
Since 1985, the Nasdaq-100 has risen in March in 64% of years (27 of 42), with an average return of +0.65% and a median of +1.61%. That makes March its #9 month of 12.
Average+0.65%
Years up64%
Best year2009 · +10.74%
Worst year2001 · −17.56%
The seasonal path through March
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through March, all years since 1985.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 1 | +0.62% | 62% |
| Mar 17 | +0.61% | 63% |
| Mar 26 | +0.55% | 57% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 28 | −0.62% | 39% |
| Mar 20 | −0.56% | 58% |
| Mar 12 | −0.46% | 50% |
Seasonal trend windows touching March
- ▼ Bearish Mar 6 – Mar 12 · 7 days · seasonal Σ −1.03%
March in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq-100 in March |
|---|---|
| 2026 | −4.89% |
| 2025 | −7.69% |
| 2024 | +1.17% |
| 2023 | +9.46% |
| 2022 | +4.22% |
| 2021 | +1.41% |
| 2020 | −7.66% |
| 2019 | +3.96% |
| 2018 | −3.99% |
| 2017 | +1.99% |
Questions
Is March a good month for the Nasdaq-100?
On average, yes: +0.65% since 1985, rising in 64% of years. But the range is wide, from −17.56% in 2001 to +10.74% in 2009, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in March?
Mar 1 (+0.62%, up 62% of years), Mar 17 (+0.61%, up 63% of years), Mar 26 (+0.55%, up 57% of years).