NSC monthly performance report
Check NSC's monthly returns, drawdown, and seasonality trends — updated every month.
NSC monthly report
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Key takeaways
- Norfolk Southern Railway (NSC) closed September 2026 at $314.16, down 8.35% for the month and +11.14% over the trailing 12 months.
- Year-to-date, NSC is +8.81%, underperforming the S&P 500 which has returned +11.70% YTD.
- The stock is trading +1.42% versus its 200-day moving average ($309.77), a bullish technical signal.
- Over the past three years, NSC has underperformed the S&P 500 by −17.79%, with a relative strength index reading of 89.6.
- Win rate over the trailing 39 months stands at 56.4% — 22 positive months versus 17 negative months.
Norfolk Southern Railway ended September 2026 at $314.16, posting a monthly return of −8.35%. The S&P 500 returned −0.70% over the same window, leaving relative performance at −7.65%.
The current quarter stands at −0.14% (Q3 2026 (QTD)), while medium-term trend remains constructive: price is +1.42% versus the 200-day moving average ($309.77).
Year-to-date, NSC is +8.81% against SPY +11.70%, a gap of −2.89%. The stock is currently −12.39% below its 52-week high, with maximum 3-year drawdown at −25.51%.
| Period | NSC | S&P 500 (SPY) | Excess return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | −1.51% | −0.12% | −1.39% |
| 1 Week | −1.91% | −0.34% | −1.57% |
| 1 Month | −8.35% | −0.70% | −7.65% |
| 3 Months | +1.08% | +2.80% | −1.72% |
| 6 Months | +8.57% | +13.85% | −5.28% |
| YTD | +8.81% | +11.70% | −2.89% |
| 12 Months | +11.14% | +15.01% | −3.88% |
| 3 Years | +53.90% | +71.69% | −17.79% |
| Rank | Month | Return |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Jul 2024 | +16.24% |
| #2 | Nov 2023 | +14.35% |
| #3 | May 2025 | +10.30% |
| #4 | Nov 2024 | +10.15% |
| #5 | Apr 2026 | +10.05% |
| Rank | Month | Return |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dec 2024 | −14.92% |
| #2 | Aug 2023 | −12.24% |
| #3 | Apr 2024 | −9.63% |
| #4 | Mar 2026 | −8.81% |
| #5 | Sep 2026 | −8.35% |
| Quarter | Return |
|---|---|
| Q2 2025 | +8.07% |
| Q3 2025 | +17.36% |
| Q4 2025 | −3.89% |
| Q1 2026 | −0.60% |
| Q2 2026 | +9.61% |
| Q3 2026 (QTD) | −0.14% |
| Year | Return |
|---|---|
| 2023 | −4.07% |
| 2024 | −0.71% |
| 2025 | +23.02% |
| 2026 | +8.81% |
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 52-Week High | $358.60 (2026-07-23) |
| 52-Week Low | $273.76 (2025-09-12) |
| Current Price | $314.16 |
| 200-Day Moving Average | $309.77 |
| Price vs 200DMA | +1.42% |
| 3-Year Maximum Drawdown | −25.51% (2025-04-08) |
| Current Drawdown from 52W High | −12.39% |
| RS metric | Value |
|---|---|
| RS Index (3-year, rebased to 100) | 89.6 |
| 3-Year Excess Return vs S&P 500 | −17.79% |
| RS Peak | 113.4 (Feb 2024) |
| RS Trough | 83.2 (Jul 2024) |
| Status | Underperforming Benchmark |
Frequently asked questions
What was NSC's return for this report period?
NSC returned −8.35% in the latest monthly window ending 2026-09-18.
Has NSC outperformed SPY year to date?
YTD NSC: +8.81% vs SPY: +11.70%.
What is NSC's 12-month return?
+11.14% over the trailing 12 months.
Is NSC above or below its 200-day moving average?
Price is +1.42% versus 200DMA ($309.77).
What is the maximum drawdown in the 3-year window?
−25.51% on 2025-04-08.