The stock market on May 20, 1987
May 20, 1987, a Wednesday. The S&P 500 fell 0.50% to close at 278.21. Of 6,183 US stocks that traded, 1,345 rose and 2,703 fell.
The S&P 500-0.50%closed at 278.21
How big a move#12,370of 24,799 trading days since 1928
$100 in the index since$2,769price only, to September 24, 2026
Stocks that rose1,345of 6,183; 2,703 fell
Biggest companyInternational Business Machines Corporationby market value that day
Last day of trading for1stock
Biggest rises among the 500 largest companies
| Alexander & Alexander (AAL) | +13.3% |
| FMC Corporation (FMC) | +5.4% |
| Kraft General Foods | +5.0% |
Biggest falls among the 500 largest companies
| Parker-Hannifin (PH) | -8.9% |
| Usg Corp. (USG) | -8.6% |
| Sysco (SYY) | -7.7% |
Stock moves count dividends; the index is price only. Market values after 2024 are estimates.
‹ May 19, 1987 · Every May 20 · May 21, 1987 ›
Ask the Lab what came after a day like thisHistory, not advice. How these numbers are made.