Russell 2000 in August: seasonality and history
Since 1988, the Russell 2000 has risen in August in 54% of years (21 of 39), with an average return of −0.33% and a median of +1.64%. That makes August its #10 month of 12.
Average−0.33%
Years up54%
Best year2000 · +7.44%
Worst year1998 · −19.49%
The seasonal path through August
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through August, all years since 1988.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | +0.58% | 75% |
| Aug 7 | +0.26% | 61% |
| Aug 16 | +0.22% | 64% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 1 | −0.38% | 32% |
| Aug 5 | −0.36% | 39% |
| Aug 2 | −0.35% | 46% |
August in recent years
| Year | Russell 2000 in August |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +0.86% |
| 2025 | +7.00% |
| 2024 | −1.63% |
| 2023 | −5.17% |
| 2022 | −2.18% |
| 2021 | +2.13% |
| 2020 | +5.50% |
| 2019 | −5.07% |
| 2018 | +4.19% |
| 2017 | −1.39% |
Questions
Is August a bad month for the Russell 2000?
On average, yes: −0.33% since 1988, rising in 54% of years. But the range is wide, from −19.49% in 1998 to +7.44% in 2000, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in August?
Aug 29 (+0.58%, up 75% of years), Aug 7 (+0.26%, up 61% of years), Aug 16 (+0.22%, up 64% of years).