Russell 2000 in September: seasonality and history
Since 1988, the Russell 2000 has risen in September in 56% of years (22 of 39), with an average return of −0.56% and a median of +0.56%. That makes September its #12 month of 12.
Average−0.56%
Years up56%
Best year2010 · +12.30%
Worst year2001 · −13.59%
The seasonal path through September
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through September, all years since 1988.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 11 | +0.43% | 68% |
| Sep 2 | +0.36% | 68% |
| Sep 18 | +0.36% | 48% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 21 | −0.67% | 24% |
| Sep 17 | −0.45% | 43% |
| Sep 20 | −0.39% | 32% |
September in recent years
| Year | Russell 2000 in September |
|---|---|
| 2026 | −5.40% |
| 2025 | +2.96% |
| 2024 | +0.56% |
| 2023 | −6.03% |
| 2022 | −9.73% |
| 2021 | −3.05% |
| 2020 | −3.47% |
| 2019 | +1.91% |
| 2018 | −2.54% |
| 2017 | +6.09% |
Questions
Is September a bad month for the Russell 2000?
On average, yes: −0.56% since 1988, rising in 56% of years. But the range is wide, from −13.59% in 2001 to +12.30% in 2010, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in September?
Sep 11 (+0.43%, up 68% of years), Sep 2 (+0.36%, up 68% of years), Sep 18 (+0.36%, up 48% of years).