Nasdaq Composite in October: seasonality and history
Since 1971, the Nasdaq has risen in October in 55% of years (30 of 55), with an average return of +0.77% and a median of +2.16%. That makes October its #8 month of 12.
Average+0.77%
Years up55%
Best year1974 · +17.17%
Worst year1987 · −27.23%
The seasonal path through October
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through October, all years since 1971.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 28 | +0.64% | 67% |
| Oct 21 | +0.54% | 62% |
| Oct 13 | +0.52% | 65% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 26 | −0.45% | 44% |
| Oct 19 | −0.33% | 44% |
| Oct 7 | −0.25% | 50% |
Seasonal trend windows touching October
- ▼ Bearish Oct 22 – Oct 27 · 6 days · seasonal Σ −1.41%
- ▲ Bullish Oct 28 – Nov 6 · 10 days · seasonal Σ +3.15%
October in recent years
| Year | Nasdaq in October |
|---|---|
| 2025 | +4.70% |
| 2024 | −0.52% |
| 2023 | −2.78% |
| 2022 | +3.90% |
| 2021 | +7.27% |
| 2020 | −2.29% |
| 2019 | +3.66% |
| 2018 | −9.20% |
| 2017 | +3.57% |
| 2016 | −2.31% |
Questions
Is October a good month for the Nasdaq?
On average, yes: +0.77% since 1971, rising in 55% of years. But the range is wide, from −27.23% in 1987 to +17.17% in 1974, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in October?
Oct 28 (+0.64%, up 67% of years), Oct 21 (+0.54%, up 62% of years), Oct 13 (+0.52%, up 65% of years).