MRK monthly performance report
Check MRK's monthly returns, drawdown, and seasonality trends — updated every month.
MRK monthly report
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Key takeaways
- Merck & Co. (MRK) closed September 2026 at $146.87, down 1.79% for the month and +80.14% over the trailing 12 months.
- Year-to-date, MRK is +39.53%, outperforming the S&P 500 which has returned +11.70% YTD.
- The stock is trading +22.79% versus its 200-day moving average ($119.61), a bullish technical signal.
- Over the past three years, MRK has underperformed the S&P 500 by −35.48%, with a relative strength index reading of 79.3.
- Win rate over the trailing 39 months stands at 43.6% — 17 positive months versus 22 negative months.
Merck & Co. ended September 2026 at $146.87, posting a monthly return of −1.79%. The S&P 500 returned −0.70% over the same window, leaving relative performance at −1.09%.
The current quarter stands at +14.30% (Q3 2026 (QTD)), while medium-term trend remains constructive: price is +22.79% versus the 200-day moving average ($119.61).
Year-to-date, MRK is +39.53% against SPY +11.70%, a gap of +27.83%. The stock is currently −6.40% below its 52-week high, with maximum 3-year drawdown at −44.74%.
| Period | MRK | S&P 500 (SPY) | Excess return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | −0.19% | −0.12% | −0.07% |
| 1 Week | +2.04% | −0.34% | +2.38% |
| 1 Month | −1.79% | −0.70% | −1.09% |
| 3 Months | +27.82% | +2.80% | +25.03% |
| 6 Months | +26.71% | +13.85% | +12.86% |
| YTD | +39.53% | +11.70% | +27.83% |
| 12 Months | +80.14% | +15.01% | +65.13% |
| 3 Years | +36.22% | +71.69% | −35.48% |
| Rank | Month | Return |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nov 2025 | +21.92% |
| #2 | Aug 2026 | +14.85% |
| #3 | Feb 2026 | +12.29% |
| #4 | Jan 2024 | +10.79% |
| #5 | May 2026 | +8.74% |
| Rank | Month | Return |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oct 2024 | −9.90% |
| #2 | May 2025 | −9.81% |
| #3 | Apr 2026 | −9.24% |
| #4 | Jul 2024 | −8.62% |
| #5 | Jul 2023 | −7.57% |
| Quarter | Return |
|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | −11.81% |
| Q3 2025 | +6.03% |
| Q4 2025 | +25.41% |
| Q1 2026 | +14.28% |
| Q2 2026 | +6.83% |
| Q3 2026 (QTD) | +14.30% |
| Year | Return |
|---|---|
| 2023 | −1.74% |
| 2024 | −8.75% |
| 2025 | +5.81% |
| 2026 | +39.53% |
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 52-Week High | $156.92 (2026-08-25) |
| 52-Week Low | $77.58 (2025-09-25) |
| Current Price | $146.87 |
| 200-Day Moving Average | $119.61 |
| Price vs 200DMA | +22.79% |
| 3-Year Maximum Drawdown | −44.74% (2025-05-14) |
| Current Drawdown from 52W High | −6.40% |
| RS metric | Value |
|---|---|
| RS Index (3-year, rebased to 100) | 79.3 |
| 3-Year Excess Return vs S&P 500 | −35.48% |
| RS Peak | 106.8 (Apr 2024) |
| RS Trough | 48.5 (Sep 2025) |
| Status | Underperforming Benchmark |
Frequently asked questions
What was MRK's return for this report period?
MRK returned −1.79% in the latest monthly window ending 2026-09-18.
Has MRK outperformed SPY year to date?
YTD MRK: +39.53% vs SPY: +11.70%.
What is MRK's 12-month return?
+80.14% over the trailing 12 months.
Is MRK above or below its 200-day moving average?
Price is +22.79% versus 200DMA ($119.61).
What is the maximum drawdown in the 3-year window?
−44.74% on 2025-05-14.