Nasdaq Composite in March: seasonality and history
Since 1971, the Nasdaq has risen in March in 62% of years (35 of 56), with an average return of +0.56% and a median of +1.34%. That makes March its #9 month of 12.
Average+0.56%
Years up62%
Best year2009 · +10.94%
Worst year1980 · −17.10%
The seasonal path through March
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through March, all years since 1971.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 1 | +0.51% | 68% |
| Mar 17 | +0.38% | 62% |
| Mar 13 | +0.37% | 65% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 27 | −0.46% | 42% |
| Mar 12 | −0.32% | 45% |
| Mar 28 | −0.31% | 46% |
March in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq in March |
|---|---|
| 2026 | −4.75% |
| 2025 | −8.21% |
| 2024 | +1.79% |
| 2023 | +6.69% |
| 2022 | +3.41% |
| 2021 | +0.41% |
| 2020 | −10.12% |
| 2019 | +2.61% |
| 2018 | −2.88% |
| 2017 | +1.48% |
Questions
Is March a good month for the Nasdaq?
On average, yes: +0.56% since 1971, rising in 62% of years. But the range is wide, from −17.10% in 1980 to +10.94% in 2009, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in March?
Mar 1 (+0.51%, up 68% of years), Mar 17 (+0.38%, up 62% of years), Mar 13 (+0.37%, up 65% of years).