The 2019 NASDAQ return was 37.89% calculated from opening and closing prices. Using a superior calculation factoring in dividend reinvestment, the NASDAQ returned 39.39% in 2019.
The 2019 NASDAQ Return: Reinvest Your Dividends
The above numbers assume you bought the NASDAQ index at the open on January 2nd, 2019 and sold at the close on December 31, 2019. This is the equivalent to the "Year to Date" or YTD return if you check after the last close of the year.
Prefer trying to get a full year of history? If you change the buy date to the closing price on December 31, 2018 the returns were 35.23% and 36.69%, respectively.
2019 NASDAQ Index Price Return
| Price From | Price | Dec 31 Close | Gain/Loss |
| Jan 2 Open | 6506.91 | 8972.60 | 37.89% |
| Dec 31 Close | 6635.28 | 8972.60 | 35.23% |
NASDAQ Reinvested Dividend Return in 2019
| Price From | Price | Dec 31 Close | Gain/Loss |
| Jan 2 Open | 7,560.76 | 10,539.04 | 39.39% |
| Dec 31 Close | 7,709.91 | 10,539.04 | 36.69% |
As we mentioned in the 2019 return posts for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500, the timing you choose – last day of last year or beginning of this one – doesn't matter much. Just stay consistent.
However, even with a traditionally technology heavy index like the NASDAQ, dividends matter. Sure, technology doesn't pay as many dividends as other industries... but it does pay them. Over a longer timeframe, they still make up a massive chunk of returns,
In summary: Dividends matter. Even with the NASDAQ.
Source on the 2019 NASDAQ Return Calculations
The NASDAQ Index is owned by NASDAQ Indexes. They also provide both the index level and total return (read:dividend reinvested) data. You can find NASDAQ total return data here or on investing.com.
See NASDAQ returns in other years:
- 2023 NASDAQ Return
- 2021 NASDAQ Return
- 2020 NASDAQ Return
- 2018 NASDAQ Return
- 2017 NASDAQ Return
- 2016 NASDAQ Return
- 2015 NASDAQ Return
- 2014 NASDAQ Return
Any NASDAQ predictions for 2020?
