Sell in May and go away: Is the May–October stretch really weaker?
"Sell in May and go away" says stocks do better from November to April than from May to October. Since 1958, the S&P 500's November–April stretch has averaged +6.71% against +1.98% for May–October, and beat it in 71% of years. Note that May–October has still been positive on average: weaker, not a reliable loss.
The last 15 years
| Year | Nov–Apr | May–Oct |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | −2.39% | +22.83% |
| 2024 | +20.07% | +13.30% |
| 2023 | +7.68% | +0.58% |
| 2022 | −10.28% | −6.29% |
| 2021 | +27.87% | +10.15% |
| 2020 | −4.12% | +12.28% |
| 2019 | +8.63% | +3.11% |
| 2018 | +2.83% | +2.41% |
| 2017 | +12.14% | +8.01% |
| 2016 | −0.68% | +2.95% |
| 2015 | +3.34% | −0.29% |
| 2014 | +7.25% | +7.12% |
| 2013 | +13.13% | +9.95% |
| 2012 | +11.54% | +1.02% |
| 2011 | +15.24% | −8.09% |
Patterns describe the past and can stop working. Not investment advice.
See it in the calendar →Other patterns
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