Russell 2000 in January: seasonality and history
Since 1988, the Russell 2000 has risen in January in 54% of years (21 of 39), with an average return of +0.74% and a median of +1.25%. That makes January its #7 month of 12.
Average+0.74%
Years up54%
Best year2019 · +11.19%
Worst year2009 · −11.20%
The seasonal path through January
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through January, all years since 1988.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 6 | +0.42% | 64% |
| Jan 31 | +0.38% | 75% |
| Jan 23 | +0.32% | 54% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 20 | −0.44% | 50% |
| Jan 27 | −0.39% | 46% |
| Jan 30 | −0.30% | 43% |
January in recent years
| Year | Russell 2000 in January |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +5.31% |
| 2025 | +2.58% |
| 2024 | −3.93% |
| 2023 | +9.69% |
| 2022 | −9.66% |
| 2021 | +5.00% |
| 2020 | −3.26% |
| 2019 | +11.19% |
| 2018 | +2.57% |
| 2017 | +0.35% |
Questions
Is January a good month for the Russell 2000?
On average, yes: +0.74% since 1988, rising in 54% of years. But the range is wide, from −11.20% in 2009 to +11.19% in 2019, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in January?
Jan 6 (+0.42%, up 64% of years), Jan 31 (+0.38%, up 75% of years), Jan 23 (+0.32%, up 54% of years).