Russell 2000 in December: seasonality and history
Since 1987, the Russell 2000 has risen in December in 77% of years (30 of 39), with an average return of +2.38% and a median of +2.63%. That makes December its #1 month of 12.
Average+2.38%
Years up77%
Best year2023 · +12.05%
Worst year2018 · −12.05%
The seasonal path through December
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through December, all years since 1987.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 26 | +0.66% | 86% |
| Dec 21 | +0.65% | 75% |
| Dec 16 | +0.54% | 61% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 11 | −0.30% | 50% |
| Dec 9 | −0.29% | 39% |
| Dec 14 | −0.26% | 36% |
Seasonal trend windows touching December
- ▲ Bullish Nov 21 – Dec 8 · 18 days · seasonal Σ +4.09%
- ▼ Bearish Dec 9 – Dec 15 · 7 days · seasonal Σ −1.20%
- ▲ Bullish Dec 16 – Dec 31 · 15 days · seasonal Σ +3.53%
December in recent years
| Year | Russell 2000 in December |
|---|---|
| 2025 | −0.74% |
| 2024 | −8.40% |
| 2023 | +12.05% |
| 2022 | −6.64% |
| 2021 | +2.11% |
| 2020 | +8.52% |
| 2019 | +2.71% |
| 2018 | −12.05% |
| 2017 | −0.56% |
| 2016 | +2.63% |
Questions
Is December a good month for the Russell 2000?
On average, yes: +2.38% since 1987, rising in 77% of years. But the range is wide, from −12.05% in 2018 to +12.05% in 2023, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in December?
Dec 26 (+0.66%, up 86% of years), Dec 21 (+0.65%, up 75% of years), Dec 16 (+0.54%, up 61% of years).