Russell 2000 in April: seasonality and history
Since 1988, the Russell 2000 has risen in April in 59% of years (23 of 39), with an average return of +1.24% and a median of +0.81%. That makes April its #4 month of 12.
Average+1.24%
Years up59%
Best year2009 · +15.33%
Worst year2022 · −9.95%
The seasonal path through April
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through April, all years since 1988.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 9 | +0.85% | 60% |
| Apr 17 | +0.42% | 56% |
| Apr 5 | +0.40% | 63% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 3 | −0.68% | 42% |
| Apr 4 | −0.44% | 43% |
| Apr 20 | −0.38% | 46% |
April in recent years
| Year | Russell 2000 in April |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +12.16% |
| 2025 | −2.38% |
| 2024 | −7.09% |
| 2023 | −1.86% |
| 2022 | −9.95% |
| 2021 | +2.07% |
| 2020 | +13.66% |
| 2019 | +3.34% |
| 2018 | +0.81% |
| 2017 | +1.05% |
Questions
Is April a good month for the Russell 2000?
On average, yes: +1.24% since 1988, rising in 59% of years. But the range is wide, from −9.95% in 2022 to +15.33% in 2009, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in April?
Apr 9 (+0.85%, up 60% of years), Apr 17 (+0.42%, up 56% of years), Apr 5 (+0.40%, up 63% of years).