Every year, analysts tell us to “Sell in May, and go Away.”
The adage is based on what the Stock Trader’s Almanac calls the “best six months of the year.”
“Historical data reveals that the top performing 6-month rolling period, on average, has been November through April. Hence, the saying investors should “sell in May and go away”—and come back in November,” says Fidenlity.com. “History shows this trading theory has flaws. More often than not, stocks tend to record gains throughout the year, on average. Thus, selling in May generally doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
As many of us have learned, that’s not such a good idea. In fact, over the last few years, markets have actually pushed higher from May on.
“According to Dow Jones Market Data, the S&P 500 is up 4% on average during May through October over both the past five and 10-year periods. That compares to a 6% increase for the blue-chip index in November through April during the past five years and 5.5% average gain during the last 10 years,” according to Barron’s.
So, if you’re thinking about selling this May, don’t. Sit tight and invest as you normally would.
Top Story: Tesla spent $500 million – but this could be bigger?
