Nasdaq Composite in January: seasonality and history
Since 1972, the Nasdaq has risen in January in 67% of years (37 of 55), with an average return of +2.47% and a median of +2.86%. That makes January its #1 month of 12.
Average+2.47%
Years up67%
Best year1975 · +16.65%
Worst year2008 · −9.89%
The seasonal path through January
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through January, all years since 1972.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 | +0.51% | 52% |
| Jan 6 | +0.42% | 69% |
| Jan 10 | +0.42% | 72% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 20 | −0.33% | 46% |
| Jan 27 | −0.22% | 56% |
| Jan 24 | −0.10% | 55% |
Seasonal trend windows touching January
- ▲ Bullish Jan 2 – Jan 19 · 18 days · seasonal Σ +3.07%
January in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq in January |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +0.95% |
| 2025 | +1.64% |
| 2024 | +1.02% |
| 2023 | +10.68% |
| 2022 | −8.98% |
| 2021 | +1.42% |
| 2020 | +1.99% |
| 2019 | +9.74% |
| 2018 | +7.36% |
| 2017 | +4.30% |
Questions
Is January a good month for the Nasdaq?
On average, yes: +2.47% since 1972, rising in 67% of years. But the range is wide, from −9.89% in 2008 to +16.65% in 1975, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in January?
Jan 3 (+0.51%, up 52% of years), Jan 6 (+0.42%, up 69% of years), Jan 10 (+0.42%, up 72% of years).