Nasdaq-100 in May: seasonality and history
Since 1985, the Nasdaq-100 has risen in May in 69% of years (29 of 42), with an average return of +2.43% and a median of +3.68%. That makes May its #3 month of 12.
Average+2.43%
Years up69%
Best year1990 · +14.74%
Worst year2000 · −11.90%
The seasonal path through May
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through May, all years since 1985.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| May 27 | +0.99% | 75% |
| May 26 | +0.67% | 71% |
| May 8 | +0.64% | 71% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| May 6 | −0.38% | 45% |
| May 23 | −0.37% | 43% |
| May 7 | −0.30% | 40% |
Seasonal trend windows touching May
- ▲ Bullish Apr 21 – May 5 · 15 days · seasonal Σ +2.63%
- ▲ Bullish May 24 – Jun 5 · 13 days · seasonal Σ +3.47%
May in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq-100 in May |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +10.49% |
| 2025 | +9.04% |
| 2024 | +6.28% |
| 2023 | +7.61% |
| 2022 | −1.65% |
| 2021 | −1.26% |
| 2020 | +6.17% |
| 2019 | −8.40% |
| 2018 | +5.48% |
| 2017 | +3.68% |
Questions
Is May a good month for the Nasdaq-100?
On average, yes: +2.43% since 1985, rising in 69% of years. But the range is wide, from −11.90% in 2000 to +14.74% in 1990, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in May?
May 27 (+0.99%, up 75% of years), May 26 (+0.67%, up 71% of years), May 8 (+0.64%, up 71% of years).