Nasdaq Composite in August: seasonality and history
Since 1971, the Nasdaq has risen in August in 57% of years (32 of 56), with an average return of +0.40% and a median of +1.56%. That makes August its #10 month of 12.
Average+0.40%
Years up57%
Best year2000 · +11.66%
Worst year1998 · −19.93%
The seasonal path through August
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through August, all years since 1971.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 7 | +0.30% | 62% |
| Aug 29 | +0.26% | 68% |
| Aug 12 | +0.20% | 57% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 5 | −0.36% | 42% |
| Aug 19 | −0.31% | 32% |
| Aug 1 | −0.26% | 48% |
August in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq in August |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +3.93% |
| 2025 | +1.58% |
| 2024 | +0.65% |
| 2023 | −2.17% |
| 2022 | −4.64% |
| 2021 | +4.00% |
| 2020 | +9.59% |
| 2019 | −2.60% |
| 2018 | +5.71% |
| 2017 | +1.27% |
Questions
Is August a good month for the Nasdaq?
On average, yes: +0.40% since 1971, rising in 57% of years. But the range is wide, from −19.93% in 1998 to +11.66% in 2000, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in August?
Aug 7 (+0.30%, up 62% of years), Aug 29 (+0.26%, up 68% of years), Aug 12 (+0.20%, up 57% of years).