At Market Index History, we are interested in a broader historical context of how markets have performed in the past. We believe that this panoramic view of market performance provides historical context, perspective, and insight and contributes to our broader understanding of short-term and long-term market performance.
We use our own market analysis tools to perform various analyses to better understand the larger context of market performance, as well as to gain insights into the range of possibilities the markets may present to us. These tools are freely available for everyone to use.
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the S&P 500 index during the month of July 2025. The S&P 500 index gained 2.17% in July 2025. Remarkably, ten (10) new all-time high records were set for the S&P 500 in July 2025. Very interestingly, six (6) of the new all-time high records were set on consecutive market days spanning two (2) consecutive weeks (7/21/2025 to 7/28/2025). As of the end of July 2025, year-to-date return for the S&P 500 index is solidly positive (+7.78%).
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average during the month of July 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average had a small gain of 0.08% in July 2025, marking three (3) consecutive months of positive returns from May 2025 to July 2025. As of the end of July 2025, year-to-date return for the Dow Jones Industrial Average is positive (+3.73%).
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the Nasdaq Composite index during the month of July 2025. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 3.70% in July 2025. Remarkably, fourteen (14) new all-time high records were set for the Nasdaq Composite in July 2025. Very interestingly, six (6) of the new all-time high records were set on consecutive market days spanning two (2) consecutive weeks (7/14/2025 to 7/21/2025). As of the end of July 2025, year-to-date return for the Nasdaq Composite index is solidly positive (+9.38%).
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the Russell 2000 index during the month of July 2025. The Russell 2000 index had a gain of 1.68% in July 2025, marking three (3) consecutive months of positive returns from May 2025 to July 2025. In spite of three consecutive months of positive returns, as of the end of July 2025, year-to-date return for the Russell 2000 index continues to be in negative territory (-0.83%).
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the S&P 500 index during the month of June 2025. The S&P 500 index gained 4.96% in June 2025. Remarkably, two new all-time high records were set for the S&P 500 in June: 6,173.07 on 6/27/2025 and 6,204.95 on 6/30/2025. As of the end of June 2025, year-to-date return for the S&P 500 index is solidly in positive territory (+5.50%).
New S&P 500 index all-time high records in 2025 (to 6/27/2025). The S&P 500 index has had four (4) new all-time high records in 2025. The latest was 6,173.07 set on 6/27/2025. See this analysis tool.
On Friday, June 27, 2025, the S&P 500 index and Nasdaq Composite index set new all-time high records. The new all-time high record set by the S&P 500 was 6,173.07, 0.47% higher than the previous record of 6,144.15 set on February 19, 2025. This new record brings the total number of new S&P 500 all-time high records to four in 2025. The new all-time high record set by the Nasdaq Composite index was 20,273.46, 0.49% higher than the previous record of 20,173.891 set on December 16, 2024. This is the only new Nasdaq Composite all-time high record in 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has not had a new all-time high record since December 4, 2024 (45,014.04). The Russell 2000 index has not had a new all-time high record since November 8, 2021 (2,442.74).
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the S&P 500 index during the month of May 2025. The S&P 500 index gained 6.15% in May 2025, the best May performance since May 1990, the sixth best May performance since May 1930, and the best single-month performance for any month since November 2023. Importantly, as of the end of May 2025, year-to-date return for the S&P 500 index is in positive territory (+0.51%).
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the Nasdaq Composite index during the month of May 2025. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 9.56% in May 2025, its second best May performance ever since May 1971, and the best single-month index performance for any month since November 2023. In spite of this historic May performance, as of the end of May 2025, year-to-date return for the Nasdaq Composite index continues to be in negative territory (-1.02%).
Weekly percent (%) returns of the S&P 500 index from the start of 2025 to 4/11/2025. The large gain for the trading week that ended on 4/11/2025 was 5.70%, the highest weekly return in 2025. See this analysis tool.
For the trading week ending on Friday, April 11, 2025, the S&P 500 index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite index exhibited their best weekly returns in 2025. For the trading week, the S&P 500 index gained 5.70%, Dow Jones Industrial Average grew by 4.95%, and the Nasdaq Composite index added 7.29%. These weekly gains were no doubt facilitated by the historic and record-level single-day gains observed on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The Russell 2000 index also had a very good week, returning 1.82%, albeit it was not its best weekly return in 2025. These gains are highly positive and encouraging, and perhaps signal a market inflection point toward rising levels from recent lows.
One day after we presented data for the S&P 500 having the worst April performance since 1932 (see article), the markets showed incredible rally today on the news that there would be a 90-day pause on tariffs to allow for negotiations between U.S. and trading partners. The announcement of the pause had an immediate and eye-popping impact on the U.S. markets. The S&P 500 gained 9.52%, Dow Jones Industrial Average added 7.87%, Nasdaq Composite index increased by 12.16%, and Russell 2000 grew by 8.66%. These large single-day gains cemented their place in market history. The S&P 500 gain is the tenth largest since 1930, Dow Jones Industrial Average gain is the fifth largest since 1992, Nasdaq Composite gain is the second largest since 1971, and Russell 2000 gain is the third largest since 1987. We have prepared four charts to show the largest single-day gains for the four major U.S. market indices.
Month-to-date (to April 8) percent (%) returns of the S&P 500 index from 1930 to 2025. As of Friday, April 8, 2025, the S&P 500 index is down 11.21% in April 2025. See this analysis tool.
As of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the S&P 500 index has exhibited by far its worst month-to-date performance for any April since 1932. Since the announcement of broad tariffs placed on U.S. trading partners, the S&P 500 index has recorded consecutive losses for the last four trading sessions, with cumulative losses of 12.14% from 4/3/2025 to 4/8/2025. The cumulative loss makes the top 10 list of consecutive daily losses since 2008.
Top 10 largest intraday low-to-high percentage changes are shown for the Nasdaq Composite index from 11/13/2008 to 4/7/2025. The values shown represent low-to-high percentage changes, where the low value is the lowest recorded value during the day, and the high value is the highest recorded value during the day. The intraday fluctuation recorded for the Nasdaq Composite index on 4/7/2025 is the largest since 11/13/2008. See this analysis tool.
In the last few weeks, we have reported on many record-level market performances, most of which have entailed downward market movements. Today, the markets recorded very large intraday fluctuations. Each of the four major U.S. market indices exhibited a very large difference between its lowest and highest levels recorded during the trading session. The intraday fluctuation was 8.51% for the S&P 500 index (largest since 3/13/2020), 7.09% for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (largest since 3/25/2020), 10.20% for the Nasdaq Composite index (largest since 11/13/2008), and 9.12% for the Russell 2000 index (largest since 3/19/2020). We used our Largest Fluctuations in Market History analysis tool to prepare four charts to show these market changes. See article...
Year-to-date (to April 4) percent (%) returns of the Nasdaq Composite index from 2015 to 2025. As of Friday, April 4, 2025, the Nasdaq Composite index is down 19.28% for the year. See this analysis tool.
We have now completed two trading sessions following the announcement of new and broad tariffs placed on U.S. trading partners. In the last two days, institutional and retail investors have reacted very strongly to these tariffs, rapidly accelerating the market sell-off that started several weeks ago in anticipation of a market shake-up, and adding significantly to year-to-date market losses. All four major U.S. market indices were down significantly today, adding to already big losses incurred yesterday. Single-day losses, consecutive two-day losses, single-week losses, and year-to-date losses for all four market indices are similar to the large losses we experienced early in the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Year-to-date in 2025, the U.S. markets have shed trillions of dollars. For each market index, we have prepared six (6) charts that show these extraordinary observations. See article...
Daily percent (%) returns of the S&P 500 index from the start of 2025 to 4/3/2025. The loss on 4/3/2025 was 4.8%. See this analysis tool.
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, investors reacted strongly to new and broad tariffs placed on U.S. trade partners. All four major U.S. market indices were down significantly today. The S&P 500 lost 4.8%, Dow Jones Industrial Average gave back 4.0%, Nasdaq Composite index declined by 6.0%, and Russell 2000 index decreased by 6.6%. To find single-day losses of similar magnitudes, we will have to look back to the COVID-19 pandemic era of 2020. The losses today added to already growing losses for the year. Year-to-date, returns are -8.2% for the S&P 500, -4.7% for Dow Jones Industrial Average, -14.3% for Nasdaq Composite, and -14.3% for Russell 2000. We have prepared twelve (12) charts that show these market reactions. See article...
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the S&P 500 index during the month of March 2025. Since the end of March is also the end of the first quarter (Q1), we also analyzed 2025 Q1 performance for the S&P 500 index and how it compares to previous quarters. The S&P 500 index lost 5.75% in March 2025, the worst March performance since March 2020, the third worst March performance since March 2001, and the worst performance for any month since December 2022. For Q1 of 2025, the S&P 500 index saw a reduction in value of 4.59%, which was the worst first quarter since Q1 of 2022, and the worst performance for any quarter since Q3 of 2022. See article...
Using our publicly available analysis tools, we examined the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average during the month of March 2025. Since the end of March is also the end of the first quarter (Q1), we also analyzed 2025 Q1 performance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and how it compares to previous quarters. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 4.20% in March 2025, the worst March performance since March 2020, the third worst March performance since March 2001, and the worst performance for any month since December 2024. For Q1 of 2025, the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a reduction in value of 1.28%, which was the worst first quarter since Q1 of 2022, and the worst performance for any quarter since Q2 of 2024. See article...
Weekly percent (%) returns of the S&P 500 index from the start of 2025 to Friday, March 28, 2025. The S&P 500 index lost 1.53% for the trading week ending on 3/28/2025. See this analysis tool.
Massive stock sell-off on Friday, March 28, 2025 led to deepening 2025 losses for the S&P 500 index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite index, and the Russell 2000 index. Year to date (to March 28, 2025), the S&P500 is down 5.1%, Dow Jones Industrial Average has lost 2.3%, Nasdaq Composite has shed 10.3%, and Russell 2000 has given back 9.3%. Red seems to be the prominent color for the first quarter of 2025 as all four major U.S. market indices have exhibited more days and weeks with negative returns than days and weeks with positive returns. See article...
Weekly percent (%) returns of the S&P 500 index from the start of 2025 to Friday, March 21, 2025. The S&P 500 broke a 4-week losing streak to gain 0.51% this week. See this analysis tool.
At the close of this trading week on Friday, March 21, 2025, the U.S. stock markets reversed the recent weeks-long losing trend, with all four major market indices closing at a higher value than they did last Friday (3/14/2025). Compared to a week ago, the S&P 500 index gained 0.51%, Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1.2%, Nasdaq Composite index grew by 0.17%, and the Russell 2000 index accrued 0.63%. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Russell 2000 broke a 4-week losing streak, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average stopped a 2-week losing trend. See article...
Weekly percent (%) returns of the S&P 500 index from the start of 2025 to 3/14/2025. Four consecutive weeks of losses are seen resulting in a cumulative loss of 7.8% over four weeks. See this analysis tool.
The U.S. stock markets had a beautiful rally on Friday, March 14, 2025, with all four major market indices gaining significantly. The S&P 500 index rose 2.1%, Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.7%, Nasdaq Composite index increased 2.6%, and the Russell 2000 index grew 2.5%. However, these large single-day gains were not enough to put a stop to four consecutive weeks of losses exhibited by the S&P 500 index (-7.8%), Nasdaq Composite index (-11.3%), and Russell 2000 index (-10.3%), and two consecutive weeks of losses for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (-5.4%). We have to go back to September of 2022 to see consecutive losses of these magnitudes. See article...
As of Thursday, March 13, 2025, the year-to-date performances of the four major U.S. stock market indices are beginning to look a lot like 2022, a year that exhibited negative returns. So far this year, the S&P 500 index is down 6.1%, Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 4.1%, Nasdaq Composite index is down 10.4%, and Russell 2000 index is down 10.6%. These trends are similar to those observed for 2022 at this point in time. See article...
The Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 4.0% on Monday, March 10, 2025, bringing its total year-do-date loss to 9.5%. We used our Market Index Performance and Performance-to-Date In Market History analysis tools to prepare two charts that clearly summarize how the Nasdaq Composite index has performed so far in 2025. See article...
All four major U.S. market indices exhibited large single-week declines for the trading week ending on Friday, March 7, 2025. The S&P 500 was down 3.1% for the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 2.4%, the Nasdaq Composite was down 3.5%, and the Russell 2000 was down 4.0%. The single-week loss for the S&P 500 index was the largest since the trading week ending on September 6, 2024. These losses continue the downward trends in 2025, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Russell 2000 showing three (3) consecutive weeks of losses, amounting to among the largest consecutive losses since 2022. See article...
All four major U.S. Market indices exhibited large single-day declines on Monday, March 3, 2025. We use our market index analysis tool (Largest Fluctuations in Market History) to show that the losses on this day fall among the top ten (10) largest single-day losses for all four indices since 1/1/2024. We also use our Performance-to-Date In Market History analysis tool to show that the 2025 year-to-date market performance levels are well below the levels observed in 2023 and 2024. See article...
Watching the markets in the last few days has evoked rather painful emotions in most of us. All major market indices moved lower in February with the S&P 500 down −1.4%, Dow Jones Industrial Average down −1.6%, Nasdaq Composite index down −4.0%, and the Russell 2000 index down −5.4%. These downward movements naturally raise concerns about the immediate and long-term health of the economy. See article...
