LUV monthly performance report
View LUV's monthly returns, drawdown, and seasonality trends — updated every month.
LUV monthly report
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Key takeaways
- Southwest Airlines (LUV) closed September 2026 at $40.98, up 6.36% for the month and +26.99% over the trailing 12 months.
- Year-to-date, LUV is −0.85%, underperforming the S&P 500 which has returned +11.70% YTD.
- The stock is trading −5.37% versus its 200-day moving average ($43.31), a cautious technical signal.
- Over the past three years, LUV has underperformed the S&P 500 by −30.77%, with a relative strength index reading of 82.1.
- Win rate over the trailing 39 months stands at 59% — 23 positive months versus 16 negative months.
Southwest Airlines ended September 2026 at $40.98, posting a monthly return of +6.36%. The S&P 500 returned −0.70% over the same window, leaving relative performance at +7.06%.
The current quarter stands at −20.30% (Q3 2026 (QTD)), while medium-term trend remains soft: price is −5.37% versus the 200-day moving average ($43.31).
Year-to-date, LUV is −0.85% against SPY +11.70%, a gap of −12.54%. The stock is currently −25.64% below its 52-week high, with maximum 3-year drawdown at −33.78%.
| Period | LUV | S&P 500 (SPY) | Excess return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | +1.59% | −0.12% | +1.71% |
| 1 Week | +4.43% | −0.34% | +4.77% |
| 1 Month | +6.36% | −0.70% | +7.06% |
| 3 Months | −13.60% | +2.80% | −16.40% |
| 6 Months | +5.75% | +13.85% | −8.10% |
| YTD | −0.85% | +11.70% | −12.54% |
| 12 Months | +26.99% | +15.01% | +11.98% |
| 3 Years | +40.92% | +71.69% | −30.77% |
| Rank | Month | Return |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Jun 2026 | +19.72% |
| #2 | May 2025 | +19.38% |
| #3 | Dec 2025 | +18.73% |
| #4 | Nov 2023 | +15.02% |
| #5 | Jan 2026 | +14.98% |
| Rank | Month | Return |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mar 2026 | −23.73% |
| #2 | Oct 2023 | −17.88% |
| #3 | Apr 2025 | −16.74% |
| #4 | Mar 2024 | −14.82% |
| #5 | Sep 2023 | −14.34% |
| Quarter | Return |
|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | −3.39% |
| Q3 2025 | −1.63% |
| Q4 2025 | +29.52% |
| Q1 2026 | −9.10% |
| Q2 2026 | +36.86% |
| Q3 2026 (QTD) | −20.30% |
| Year | Return |
|---|---|
| 2023 | −14.23% |
| 2024 | +16.41% |
| 2025 | +22.93% |
| 2026 | −0.85% |
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 52-Week High | $55.11 (2026-02-17) |
| 52-Week Low | $29.26 (2025-11-04) |
| Current Price | $40.98 |
| 200-Day Moving Average | $43.31 |
| Price vs 200DMA | −5.37% |
| 3-Year Maximum Drawdown | −33.78% (2026-03-30) |
| Current Drawdown from 52W High | −25.64% |
| RS metric | Value |
|---|---|
| RS Index (3-year, rebased to 100) | 82.1 |
| 3-Year Excess Return vs S&P 500 | −30.77% |
| RS Peak | 121.8 (Feb 2026) |
| RS Trough | 67 (Nov 2025) |
| Status | Underperforming Benchmark |
Frequently asked questions
What was LUV's return for this report period?
LUV returned +6.36% in the latest monthly window ending 2026-09-18.
Has LUV outperformed SPY year to date?
YTD LUV: −0.85% vs SPY: +11.70%.
What is LUV's 12-month return?
+26.99% over the trailing 12 months.
Is LUV above or below its 200-day moving average?
Price is −5.37% versus 200DMA ($43.31).
What is the maximum drawdown in the 3-year window?
−33.78% on 2026-03-30.