Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 Seasonality

Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 Seasonality The Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 seasonality chart from 1985 to 2018 (excluding 2008). This is not a forecast. Image: Goldman Sachs

Median 2-Week S&P 500 Returns

Median 2-Week S&P 500 Returns The conflict in the Middle East has added a layer of uncertainty, but U.S. stocks tend to find traction in the back half of April. That seasonal boost helps, but it doesn’t fully blunt the shock of the conflict. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research

S&P 500 Index Returns In April

S&P 500 Index Returns In April Even with the Middle East conflict clouding the seasonal backdrop, April has historically been a strong month for U.S. equities, averaging positive returns since 1950. Image: Carson Investment Research

S&P 500 Average Return in December

S&P 500 Average Return in December With the holidays in sight, buyers are starting to reappear. History shows U.S. stocks often find a floor around mid-December and rally into year-end, a seasonal lift the bulls never seem to tire of. Image: Carson Investment Research

Various S&P 500 Index 6-Month Returns

Various S&P 500 Index 6-Month Returns Wall Street’s sweet spot runs from November to April — the market’s “best six months” — when holiday spending, year-end bonuses, and tax considerations give stocks their seasonal lift. Image: Carson Investment Research

Average Post-Election Year for S&P 500

Average Post-Election Year for S&P 500 In post-election years, U.S. stocks often hit bottom by late October — before ripping higher into year-end, a seasonal gift Wall Street can’t resist. Image: Carson Investment Research

Returns – Average Year for the S&P 500

Returns – Average Year for the S&P 500 October 27 has a curious pull on markets — a date when U.S. stocks often find a floor before seasonal inflows spark a late‑year surge. Image: Carson Investment Research

U.S. ETF Flows

U.S. ETF Flows Cash is flooding into U.S. ETFs—over $1 trillion so far in 2025—a record-breaking surge running more than three times the usual seasonal pace as investors chase diversification and tactical flexibility. Image: Bloomberg

S&P 500 Quarterly Returns

S&P 500 Quarterly Returns Seasonality tends to favor the bulls into year-end. Going back to 1950, the S&P 500 has gained more than 4% on average in the fourth quarter, posting positive returns 80% of the time. Image: Carson Investment Research

MOVE, VIX and FX Volatility

MOVE, VIX and FX Volatility The “Goldilocks summer” of market calm is essentially over, as mounting concerns about the U.S. economy awaken markets from their seasonal slumber. Image: Bloomberg