A Sideways Stock Market and the Case for Selling in March

Investors have heard the dictum “sell in May and go away.” This year they might want to consider selling in March.

The May adage follows from market seasonality. Historically, investors have realized about 75% of annual yearly returns in the fall and winter. Explanations for why that’s the case vary. Perhaps it’s because investors start looking out to the next year around that time, though they don’t have much information about how the year will turn out. Perhaps they’re just enjoying the warmer weather.