
September is often a volatile month for the stock market, with some of the biggest losses and gains occurring during this time. The S&P 500 has experienced its largest single-day percentage decline in September on multiple occasions.
Historically, September has been a month of significant market fluctuations, with some years seeing major downturns and others experiencing strong gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has also experienced its largest single-day percentage decline in September.
While it's difficult to predict with certainty what will happen in September, understanding the historical patterns and trends can help investors make more informed decisions. By knowing what to expect, you can better prepare yourself for potential market movements.
Stock Market Patterns and Trends
The stock market has a way of following patterns, and September is notoriously a tough month for stocks. Historically, the stock market performs most miserably in September, with the S&P 500 losing an average of 1.3% each September from 1950 to 2009.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has also taken a beating in September, with an average decline of 1.3% since 1929. In fact, the Dow suffered a 10% decline in September 1929, which precipitated the Great Crash.
September 1931 was still the worst month ever for stocks, with the Dow declining by 21%. The largest single-day drop in the Dow's history was on September 29, 2008, when it cratered by 777.68 points.
The Dow also took a significant hit on September 17, 2001, losing 684.81 points, the third-largest single-day drop in its history. In the past decade, the S&P 500 has dropped at least 5% in September five times.
However, it's worth noting that last September was a welcome exception, with the S&P 500 gaining 4% and the Dow rising 8% in September 2010.
Stock Market History
The stock market has a rich history, and September is one of the most infamous months for investors.

September has historically been a down month for the stock market, with the S&P 500 averaging a decline over the past century. In fact, since 1928, the S&P 500 has averaged a decline of 1.3% in September.
The September Effect is a supposed market anomaly that challenges the efficient markets hypothesis (EMH). It's a case of a calendar-based market anomaly, where the market performs poorly without any real causal link or event.
One theory behind the September Effect is that investors return from summer vacation in September, ready to lock in gains and tax losses before the end of the year. Another theory suggests that individual investors liquidate stocks going into September to offset schooling costs for children.
However, most economists and market professionals discount the existence of the September Effect. In fact, frequent large declines have not occurred in September as often as they did before 1990. Instead, investors have reacted by "pre-positioning", selling stock more in August.
Here's a breakdown of the average percentage that the S&P 500 has lost each September since 1950:
The September Effect is not a guarantee of a down month, and there have been instances where September has been a positive month for the stock market. In fact, in 2010, the S&P 500 gained 8% in September, defying the expected downturn.
While the September Effect is a historical quirk, it's essential for investors to be aware of the market's tendencies and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Key Takeaways and Analysis

The September stock market phenomenon is a topic of interest for many investors. The September Effect is a supposed market anomaly where stock market returns are relatively weak during the month of September.
Some consider this weakness to be attributable to seasonal behavioral bias, as investors make portfolio changes to cash in at summer's end.
While there may be some statistical evidence for the September Effect, it's essential to note that this will depend on the time period you look at.
Most economists and market professionals discount the existence of the September Effect.
Here are some key statistics to keep in mind:
- The September Effect is considered an anomaly since it violates the assumption of market efficiency.
It's worth noting that the existence of the September Effect is still a topic of debate among experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the stock market perform in September?
The stock market ended September on a high note, with Wall Street indexes recording monthly wins on the last trading day. The S&P 500 achieved its best year-to-date performance since 1997 and its best quarter since 2021.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_stock_market_crashes_and_bear_markets
- https://tradethatswing.com/seasonal-patterns-of-the-stock-market/
- https://www.finsyn.com/why-is-september-the-worst-month-for-the-stock-market/
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/september-effect.asp
- https://theweek.com/articles/482011/stock-markets-history-september-swoons-by-numbers
Featured Images: pexels.com