| January (Q1) | - "January Effect" — small caps often rally
- Start of Q4 earnings season
| - Watch for post-tax-loss bounce backs
- Strong performance historically in early Jan
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| February (Q1) | - Continuation of Q4 earnings season
- Volatility can increase mid-Feb
| - Tech stocks often take the lead
- CPI and FOMC expectations drive movement
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| March (Q1) | - End of Q4 earnings
- Quadruple Witching (3rd Friday) causes volatility
| - Watch out for rate decisions
- Good time to rebalance portfolio
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| April (Q2) | - Q1 earnings begin mid-month
- Historically bullish month
| - Big tech earnings kick in
- Post-tax deadline moves
- Start investing in US stocks.
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| May (Q2) | - "Sell in May and go away" sentiment begins
- Mid-Q1 earnings
| - Watch sector rotation
- Volatility may pick up
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| June (Q2) | - Slower summer months begin
- End of Q2 rebalancing
| - Window dressing by funds
- FOMC meetings can shift sentiment
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| July (Q3) | - Start of Q2 earnings
- Summer rally potential
| - Strong performance historically
- Watch for surprises in financials/tech
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| August (Q3) | - Volatility increases — lower volume
- Pre-Jackson Hole caution
| - Risk-off behavior ahead of Fed events
- Check VIX movement
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| September (Q3) | - Historically weakest month for S&P 500
- Fund rebalancing + rate anxieties
| - Defensives often outperform
- Prepare watchlist for dips
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| October (Q4) | - Q3 earnings begin mid-month
- Known for big crashes and big recoveries
| - Market bottoms often form here
- Good entry point historically
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| November (Q4) | - Santa rally begins mid/late month
- Midterm elections = potential volatility
| - Seasonal strength picks up
- Retail earnings spotlight
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| December (Q4) | - Santa Rally 🎅
- Year-end rebalancing + tax planning
| - Tech and growth sectors shine
- Window dressing from funds
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