Average Return by Month in the S&P 500

Dec 8, 2025 | Investor Education

S&P500 average return by month

Today we are showing you a chart breaking down the average monthly return of the S&P 500 since 1950. December has historically been one of the strongest periods for equities, with an average gain of 1.39%, ranking as the third best month of the year.

Key Takeaways

  • What is Seasonality? Seasonality refers to recurring trends in market performance during specific times of the year. The S&P 500 has historically shown seasonal patterns driven by factors such as earnings seasons, macroeconomic events, and investor behavior. However, these trends may vary each year and are not guaranteed.

  • A disclaimer on seasonality: It's important to remember that market conditions and external factors can influence results, and past performance does not guarantee future returns.

  • Investment Implications: Seasonality provides historical context for understanding market patterns throughout different months of the year. However, seasonal patterns should be viewed as historical observations rather than predictive indicators, as market conditions and external factors can influence actual results each year.

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