{
  "id": 11153771,
  "title": "History Says October Is the Stock Market's Most Dangerous Month. Here's My Defensive Playbook.",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/history-says-october-is-the-stock-markets-most-dangerous-month-heres",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-01T08:20:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motley Fool",
    "slug": "motley-fool",
    "url": "https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/10/01/history-says-october-is-the-stock-market-s-most-dangerous-month-here-s-my-defensive-playbook/?source=iedfolrf0000001"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Investors often view October as a treacherous month for the stock market. Tragic events have unfolded during this month, such as the Black Monday crash of October 1987, which saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average drop nearly 22%. Other notorious October downturns include the 13% plunge on October 28, 1929, followed by another 12% drop on October 29, along with the 9% decline on October 15, 2008, and the 6.8% loss on October 27, 1997.\n\nAs the October month approaches, concerns are justified. The S&P 500 Index (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) has reached a level of concentrated risk not seen since 1965, while the Shiller CAPE ratio has hit its highest point since the dot-com bubble burst. Inflation levels are also on the rise, the upcoming mid-term elections loom, and interest rates on bonds are increasing. These factors can understandably make investors uneasy as October begins.\n\nNevertheless, despite the history of stock market crashes in October, it's not the worst month for the market. In fact, September historically proves to be the most perilous month. Instead of succumbing to panic, it's wise for investors to adopt a more cautious approach. Here's a defensive strategy to consider for October.",
  "summary": "October has had its share of scary moments for investors over the years.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}