Nasdaq Composite in April: seasonality and history
Since 1971, the Nasdaq has risen in April in 66% of years (37 of 56), with an average return of +1.58% and a median of +1.67%. That makes April its #3 month of 12.
Average+1.58%
Years up66%
Best year2020 · +15.45%
Worst year2000 · −15.57%
The seasonal path through April
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through April, all years since 1971.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 9 | +0.59% | 64% |
| Apr 18 | +0.45% | 51% |
| Apr 5 | +0.44% | 66% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 3 | −0.49% | 50% |
| Apr 4 | −0.42% | 38% |
| Apr 20 | −0.19% | 42% |
April in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq in April |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +15.29% |
| 2025 | +0.85% |
| 2024 | −4.41% |
| 2023 | +0.04% |
| 2022 | −13.26% |
| 2021 | +5.40% |
| 2020 | +15.45% |
| 2019 | +4.74% |
| 2018 | +0.04% |
| 2017 | +2.30% |
Questions
Is April a good month for the Nasdaq?
On average, yes: +1.58% since 1971, rising in 66% of years. But the range is wide, from −15.57% in 2000 to +15.45% in 2020, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in April?
Apr 9 (+0.59%, up 64% of years), Apr 18 (+0.45%, up 51% of years), Apr 5 (+0.44%, up 66% of years).