S&P 500 in April: seasonality and history
Since 1957, the S&P 500 has risen in April in 71% of years (50 of 70), with an average return of +1.56% and a median of +1.18%. That makes April its #2 month of 12.
Average+1.56%
Years up71%
Best year2020 · +12.68%
Worst year1970 · −9.05%
The seasonal path through April
Cumulative sum of each day's average return through April, all years since 1957.
| Strongest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 9 | +0.49% | 64% |
| Apr 17 | +0.43% | 69% |
| Apr 1 | +0.28% | 71% |
| Weakest days | Avg | Up |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 4 | −0.22% | 51% |
| Apr 7 | −0.21% | 49% |
| Apr 20 | −0.15% | 48% |
April in recent years
| Year | S&P 500 in April |
|---|---|
| 2026 | +10.42% |
| 2025 | −0.76% |
| 2024 | −4.16% |
| 2023 | +1.46% |
| 2022 | −8.80% |
| 2021 | +5.24% |
| 2020 | +12.68% |
| 2019 | +3.93% |
| 2018 | +0.27% |
| 2017 | +0.91% |
Questions
Is April a good month for the S&P 500?
On average, yes: +1.56% since 1957, rising in 71% of years. But the range is wide, from −9.05% in 1970 to +12.68% in 2020, so an average is a tendency, not a forecast.
What are the strongest days in April?
Apr 9 (+0.49%, up 64% of years), Apr 17 (+0.43%, up 69% of years), Apr 1 (+0.28%, up 71% of years).