July has historically been the U.S. stock market's best month. The S&P 500 — as tracked by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) — rose 2.56% on average over the past 20 years in July, the strongest average return of any month.
The index finished July higher 80% of the time and has closed green in each of the past 11 Julys.
A subset of large-cap technology stocks has done even better. Data compiled on TradingView across the same 20 years pointed to five Nasdaq 100 names with July records that beat the broad market.
5. Lam Research
Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) averaged a 4.01% July return over 20 years and finished the month higher 60% of the time. Its best July landed in 2022 at 17.45% and its worst in 2024 at -13.49%. The chip-equipment maker has slipped in each of the last two Julys even as the stock ripped higher in the first half of 2026. Lam has surged 79.6% year-to-date and is set to report fiscal fourth-quarter earnings later this month.
4. Qualcomm
Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) produced an average July gain of 4.19% with a 60% win rate. The standout was 2008 at 24.72% and the low was 2006 at -12%. Like Lam, Qualcomm has posted back-to-back negative Julys in 2024 and 2025. Shares of the smartphone and automotive chip supplier are just 4% higher year to date.
3. ASML
ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) averaged 5.05% in July with the same 60% hit rate. Its biggest July was 2022 at 20.71% and its steepest drop came last year at -13.31%. The sole supplier of EUV lithography machines has fallen in each of the last three Julys. Yet the two Julys before that run told a different story, with double-digit gains of 10.99% in 2021 and 20.71% in 2022. The stock set record highs last month before easing back and remains one of the strongest large-cap performers of 2026. Shares are up roughly 55% so far in 2026.
2. Alphabet
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) delivered an average July return of 5.76% and closed green 75% of the time. Its best showing was 2015 at 21.75% and its worst was 2008 at -10.01%. The Google parent strung together nine straight positive Julys from 2015 through 2023 before a 2024 stumble, then bounced back with an 8.89% July in 2025. Alphabet is expected to report second-quarter results around July 22, still unconfirmed. Shares are up 16% year to date.
1. Apple
Apple tops the list on every measure that matters here. Its average July return of 7.28% is the highest of the group, its 90% win rate is the strongest and its active 10-year streak is unmatched. Only twice in 20 years has Apple closed July in the red, in 2008 and 2015. The iPhone maker reports fiscal third-quarter results on July 30 after the close, in what could be Tim Cook's final quarter presenting as chief executive.
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