Nasdaq Composite in December: seasonality and history
Since 1971, the Nasdaq has risen in December in 60% of years (33 of 55), with an average return of +1.49% and a median of +0.58%. That makes December its #4 month of 12.
Average+1.49%
Years up60%
Best year1999 · +21.98%
Worst year2002 · −9.69%
The seasonal path through December
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through December, all years since 1971.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 26 | +0.52% | 75% |
| Dec 21 | +0.45% | 69% |
| Dec 5 | +0.38% | 56% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 14 | −0.43% | 38% |
| Dec 11 | −0.28% | 44% |
| Dec 9 | −0.26% | 46% |
Seasonal trend windows touching December
- ▲ Bullish Nov 21 – Dec 8 · 18 days · seasonal Σ +3.23%
- ▲ Bullish Dec 16 – Dec 31 · 15 days · seasonal Σ +2.54%
December in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq in December |
|---|---|
| 2025 | −0.53% |
| 2024 | +0.48% |
| 2023 | +5.52% |
| 2022 | −8.73% |
| 2021 | +0.69% |
| 2020 | +5.65% |
| 2019 | +3.54% |
| 2018 | −9.48% |
| 2017 | +0.43% |
| 2016 | +1.12% |
Questions
Is December a good month for the Nasdaq?
On average, yes: +1.49% since 1971, rising in 60% of years. But the range is wide, from −9.69% in 2002 to +21.98% in 1999, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in December?
Dec 26 (+0.52%, up 75% of years), Dec 21 (+0.45%, up 69% of years), Dec 5 (+0.38%, up 56% of years).