Russell 2000 in February: seasonality and history
Since 1988, the Russell 2000 has risen in February in 59% of years (23 of 39), with an average return of +1.01% and a median of +0.97%. That makes February its #5 month of 12.
Average+1.01%
Years up59%
Best year2000 · +16.42%
Worst year2009 · −12.29%
The seasonal path through February
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through February, all years since 1988.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | +0.78% | 82% |
| Feb 15 | +0.56% | 68% |
| Feb 6 | +0.40% | 57% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 21 | −0.57% | 30% |
| Feb 27 | −0.33% | 50% |
| Feb 23 | −0.31% | 50% |
Seasonal trend windows touching February
- ▼ Bearish Feb 17 – Feb 23 · 7 days · seasonal Σ −1.60%
February in recent years
| Year | Russell 2000 in February |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +0.71% |
| 2025 | −5.45% |
| 2024 | +5.52% |
| 2023 | −1.81% |
| 2022 | +0.97% |
| 2021 | +6.14% |
| 2020 | −8.53% |
| 2019 | +5.08% |
| 2018 | −3.97% |
| 2017 | +1.83% |
Questions
Is February a good month for the Russell 2000?
On average, yes: +1.01% since 1988, rising in 59% of years. But the range is wide, from −12.29% in 2009 to +16.42% in 2000, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in February?
Feb 1 (+0.78%, up 82% of years), Feb 15 (+0.56%, up 68% of years), Feb 6 (+0.40%, up 57% of years).