​Major stock indices fell in August for the first time since May, in which indices lost in excess of 6%. In August, the S&P 500 declined 1.8%, falling to 2,926.46, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 each declined 1.7%, 2.6%, and 5.1%, respectively. The month was characterized by excess volatility, as each index counted 10 or more days of 1%-or-greater swings. 

​Major stock market indices advanced in July, building upon a strong year for market returns. The Nasdaq advanced the most, gaining 2.1% to 8,175.42, while the S&P 500 gained 1.3% to 2,980.38. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Russell 2000 also closed the month in positive territory. Only the Russell 2000 has a negative return through the last twelve months.

​The stock market rebounded strongly in June from a weak May performance, with major indices increasing approximately 7% on the back of increased hope for a trade truce with China and signals from the Federal Reserve that a rate cut may come this year. The month closed out the best first half market performance since 1997

​Stock markets dropped in May due to the on-going trade tensions with China. The S&P 500 dropped 6.6% to 2,752, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ, and Russell 2000 each declined 6.7%, 7.9%, and 7.9%, respectively. May marked the first month of broad index declines for the year, though returns are still up considerably year to date.

​Stock market indices increased 2.6% or more in April, as earnings season continued with generally positive results and economic news. The S&P 500 marked its best four-month stretch in nearly nine years, increasing 3.9% to 2,945.83. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), NASDAQ, and Russell 2000 also increased 2.6%, 4.7%, and 3.3%, respectively. Year to date, these indices are up 14% or more.

Stocks ended a volatile month with mixed results, with the S&P 500 index registering a 1.8% gain in March, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ, and Russell 2000 closed the month with 0%, 2.6%, and -2.3% returns, respectively. It was the strongest quarter for the S&P 500 since the second quarter of 2009.

​The stock market continued to rebound from its weak performance in December, as the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 all climbed 3.0% or more in February. Year to date, the indices are up more than 11.0%. Small stocks appeared to outperform larger stocks, as the Russell 2000 rose 5.1%, outperforming its larger index peers during the month.

​The stock market ended deeply negative in December, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), NASDAQ, and Russell 2000 each losing over 8%. The worst market performance in December since 1931 sent the S&P 500, DJIA, and NASDAQ into negative territory for the year, with the S&P 500 down 6.2%, the DJIA down 5.6%, and NASDAQ down 3.9%. The Russell 2000 was down 12.2% in 2018. The year accounted for the worst market performance since 2008.

​Stocks finished strong on the last day of November, helping major indices move further into positive territory. The S&P 500 closed up 1.8% to 2,760.17, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) ended up 1.7% to 25,536.46, and the NASDAQ closed up 0.3% to 7,330.54. Rumors of easing trade tensions with China on Friday helped the NASDAQ move into positive territory for the month. Only the Russell 2000 is in negative territory for the year. 

​US equities rallied on the last day of the worst month for the S&P 500 since September 2011. The S&P 500 closed the month down 6.9%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) closed down 5.1%, the NASDAQ ended down 9.2%, and the Russell 2000 finished down 10.9%. Before the last week of the month, both the DJIA and S&P 500 entered negative territory for the year.