Dow Jones in 1919

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 30.5% in 1919, from 82.20 at the end of 1918 to 107.23. Its highest close was 119.62 on Nov 3 — a record that stood until December 31, 1924, and its lowest 79.15 on Feb 8. The biggest one-day fall was −4.8% on Aug 4 and the biggest rise +3.7% on Jun 17. Adjusted for inflation, it gained 13.9%.

Change in 1919

+30.5%

82.20 → 107.23

High

119.62

Nov 3

Low

79.15

Feb 8

After inflation

+13.9%

US CPI

Up days

165 of 293

longest run 7 up, 7 down

Record highs

closing records

Dow Jones, daily closes 1919

Numbers mark the events below

Key Events in 1919

What happened, and how the Dow Jones moved — on the day (or the next trading day) and about a month later.

1
Tuesday, June 17 From the data

Biggest one-day rise of the year: +3.7%.
2
Saturday, June 28

The Treaty of Versailles is signed. Source

Dow Jones: +0.5% that day · +3.2% a month later
3
Wednesday, July 9 From the data

Dow Jones sets the first of 11 record closing highs this year, at 110.46. Back above its pre-bear-market peak of 110.15 (November 21, 1916).
4
Monday, August 4 From the data

Biggest one-day fall of the year: −4.8%.
5
Monday, September 22

The nationwide steel strike of 1919 begins. Source

Dow Jones: +1.2% that day · +7.2% a month later
6
Tuesday, October 28

Congress passes the Volstead Act over President Wilson's veto. Source

Dow Jones: +1.2% that day · −6.2% a month later
7
Monday, November 3

The Dow Jones Industrial Average peaks at 119.6 before the 1920-21 depression. Source

Dow Jones: +0.8% that day · −12.6% a month later
8
Wednesday, November 19

The US Senate fails to ratify the Treaty of Versailles. Source

Dow Jones: −1.2% that day · −1.7% a month later

Biggest days of 1919

Best days		Worst days
Jun 17	+3.7%	Aug 4	−4.8%
Nov 13	+3.3%	Aug 7	−4.7%
Aug 6	+3.3%	Nov 28	−3.5%
Aug 9	+2.4%	Nov 12	−3.3%
May 26	+2.2%	Dec 18	−3.2%

Volatility: 18.7% (annualised standard deviation of daily changes).

Month by month

Month	Close	Change	High	Low
Jan	80.61	−1.9%	83.35	79.88
Feb	84.81	+5.2%	85.68	79.15
Mar	88.85	+4.8%	89.05	84.04
Apr	92.88	+4.5%	93.51	88.84
May	105.50	+13.6%	105.50	93.26
Jun	106.98	+1.4%	107.55	99.56
Jul	107.16	+0.2%	112.23	107.16
Aug	104.75	−2.2%	107.99	98.46
Sep	111.42	+6.4%	111.42	104.99
Oct	118.92	+6.7%	118.92	108.90
Nov	103.60	−12.9%	119.62	103.60
Dec	107.23	+3.5%	107.97	103.55

1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919

Dow Jones in 1919: FAQ

How much did the Dow Jones Industrial Average rise in 1919?

What were the highest and lowest closes of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1919?

Highest: 119.62 on November 3, 1919. Lowest: 79.15 on February 8, 1919. It closed higher on 165 of 293 trading days.

What happened to the Dow Jones Industrial Average on September 22, 1919?

The nationwide steel strike of 1919 begins. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.2% that day, and was +7.2% a month later.

Did the Dow Jones Industrial Average reach a record high in 1919?

Yes — 11 record closing highs, the last at 119.62 on November 3, 1919.

Data: Daily closes since 26 May 1896. Saturday sessions were held until 1952. The NYSE was closed from 31 Jul to 11 Dec 1914. Price index: dividends are not included. Inflation: US CPI-U. Events marked "From the data" are found automatically from the closing prices; the others are researched, with the source linked. Not investment advice.