2 kids jumping into a pool.
Since 1928, the S&P 500 closed up 73 percent of the time on the Friday before Labor Day, posting an average gain of 0.5 percent.
And from Labor Day on, tech appears to take the lead.
In fact, from Labor Day to Thanksgiving, on average, the Dow lost -0.2 percent, the S&P 500 fell -0.5% while the NASDAQ rose 1.7 percent.
Here is a look at how the major U.S. indexes perform ahead of this American holiday celebrating the economic and social contributions of workers.
Friday Prior to Labor Day:
- On average, the Dow closed up 70% of the time; S&P 500 up 73%; NASDAQ up 47%
- The Dow has gained 0.4%, S&P 500 has gained 0.5% and NASDAQ has been flat
- Best day: 1932 when the Dow gained 4.2% and the S&P 500 rose 4.4%; biggest NASDAQ gain was 4% on 1999
- Worst day: 2011 when the Dow lost -2.2%, S&P 500 lost -2.5% and the NASDAQ fell -2.6%
Week of Labor Day (Labor Day to Monday after Labor Day):
- On average, the Dow has lost -0.2%, S&P 500 has lost -0.3% and NASDAQ has gained 0.1%
- Best day: 1939 when Dow gained 14.7% and the S&P 500 rose 14%; biggest NASDAQ gain was 6.3% in 1998
- Worst day: 1946 when Dow lost -9.1%, S&P 500 lost -9.9%; biggest NASDAQ loss was for -8% in 2000
Labor Day to Thanksgiving Day:
- On average, the Dow has lost -0.2%, S&P 500 has lost -0.5% and the NASDAQ has gained 0.8%
- Best day: 1904 when the Dow gained 26.7%; S&P 500 and NASDAQ Comp rose 21.9% and 26.7% in 1998, respectively
- Worst day: 1929 when the Dow lost -37% and the S&P 500 fell -34%; the NASDAQ lost -35% in 2008