The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) index dropped around 8,000 points in the four weeks from February 12 to March 11, 2020, but has since recovered to 33,347.43 points as of July 12, 2023. In February 2020 - just prior to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the DJIA index stood at a little over 29,000 points.
U.S. markets suffer as virus spreads
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a turbulent period for stock markets – the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also recorded dramatic drops. At the start of February, some analysts remained optimistic that the outbreak would ease. However, the increased spread of the virus started to hit investor confidence, prompting a record plunge in the stock markets. The Dow dropped by more than 3,500 points in the week from February 21 to February 28, which was a fall of 12.4 percent – its worst percentage loss in a week since October 2008.
Stock markets offer valuable economic insights
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a stock market index that monitors the share prices of the 30 largest companies in the United States. By studying the performance of the listed companies, analysts can gauge the strength of the domestic economy. If investors are confident in a company’s future, they will buy its stocks. The uncertainty of the coronavirus sparked fears of an economic crisis, and many traders decided that investment during the pandemic was too risky.
FAQs
The 2023 year-end value of Dow Jones Industrial Average index amounted to 37,689.54.
What is the Dow Jones since January 1 2023? ›
The average closing price for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) between January 1, 2023 and July 31, 2024 is $35,781.98. It is up 21.5% in that time.
What was the worst day in the stock market? ›
The weak jobs report has the Dow on track for its worst day since 2022. The Dow was down 960 points, or 2.4% in recent trading. That would be its worst daily performance since it fell 2.49% on Dec. 15, 2022.
What was the best day in the history of the stock market? ›
On March 15, 1933, the Dow Jones Industrial Average logged in its biggest one-day percent gain ever. Prior to its rally, President Franklin D. Roosevelt temporarily shut down the banks on March 5 following a month-long run on U.S. banks. Consequently, U.S. markets remained closed during that period.
What was the index performance in 2023? ›
Stock market performance in 2023 was a reflection of the relatively strong U.S. economy. The S&P 500 index increased 24.31 percent, more than twice the long-run average return on U.S. large-cap stocks. China's stock returns reflect significantly lower economic growth in 2022 and 2023 relative to pre-COVID levels.
What is the YTD stock market return in 2023? ›
Year-to-date (YTD), stocks returned 16.8%, bonds 2.3% and a 60/40 portfolio 9.9%.
How much has the stock market returned since january 1 2023? ›
The S&P 500 (GSPC) has returned 42.9% since January 1, 2023.
What will Dow be at end of 2024? ›
Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs analysts' forecast is neutral. In 2024, the Dow Jones rate is expected to trade between $37,000 and $38,000. Bank experts predict that corporate income will remain at the same level, which will support stocks during a recession.
What was the Dow on Feb 1 2023? ›
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 6.92 points, or less than 0.1%, to 34,092.96. The Nasdaq composite rose 231.77 points, or 2%, to 11,816.32.
What is the biggest one day drops in the stock market? ›
The largest single-day percentage declines for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both occurred on Oct. 19, 1987 with the S&P 500 falling by 20.5 percent and the Dow falling by 22.6 percent. Two of the four largest percentage declines for the Dow occurred on consecutive days — Oct. 28 and 29 in 1929.
Key Takeaways. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) hit its record high on May 16, 2024, reaching 40,051.05 points during intraday trading. The Dow's all-time high at market close stands at 39,908.00, reached on May 15, 2024.
What was the worst one day decline of the Dow Jones? ›
Largest percentage changes
Some sources (including the file Highlights/Lowlights of The Dow on the Dow Jones website) show a loss of −24.39% (from 71.42 to 54.00) on December 12, 1914, placing that day atop the list of largest percentage losses.
What is the best month for the stock market historically? ›
Since 1928, July has emerged as the best month of the year, on average, in terms of stock-market performance. Over that time frame, the S&P 500 SPX has experienced a gain of 1.7% in July and finished the month higher more than 60% of the time, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
What day of the week does the stock market go up the most? ›
Whether because of weekend optimism or because Saturday and Sunday's news hasn't been priced into the market yet, many traders feel that Fridays see stocks and indices priced higher.
Has a penny stock ever made it big? ›
Sure, some penny stocks turned out to be massive success stories, like Apple, Ford Motor, and Monster Beverage. Find a similar success story like those top penny stocks, and you stand to make a fortune. However, you have to be willing to do the research to find them in a sea of duds.
What is the average market return in 2023? ›
The S&P 500's annual average return in 2023 was 24%, a significant increase from 2022. Returns may fluctuate widely yearly, but holding onto investments over time can help.
How much did the stock market close on january 3 2023? ›
How Did the Benchmarks Perform? The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) fell 0.2% or 73.55 points to close at 33,147.25 points. Nineteen components of the 30-stock index ended in negative territory, while 11 ended in positive. The S&P 500 lost 0.3% or 9.78 points to close at 3,839.50 points.
How has the stock market performed in 2024? ›
The stock market defied expectations with a strong performance over the first half of 2024. But the success poses a key question for investors: Is there room for stocks to go even higher? The S&P 500 climbed nearly 15% over the first six months of the year.
How has the stock market performed in the last 6 months? ›
Basic Info. S&P 500 6 Month Return is at 14.48%, compared to 15.54% last month and 15.91% last year. This is higher than the long term average of 3.43%.
