economy
The S&P 500 is wrapping up a tough month. Why April could be better
The S&P 500 might get a fresh start in April.
TL;DR
- The S&P 500 is on track for its worst monthly slide since March 2025, down more than 5% in March.
- April is historically the second best performing month for the S&P 500, with average gains of 1.4%.
- Recent exceptions to strong April performance include 2002, 2004, 2005, 2024, and 2025.
- Geopolitical events and inflation fears have pressured stocks.
- In midterm election years, the S&P 500 sheds 0.3% on average in April.
- The second and third quarters of midterm election years have historically been the weakest periods of the 4-year election cycle.