CNBC is out with a timely take that could have major implications for investors heading into the traditionally weaker summer months: it may be time to ditch the old “Sell in May and go away” playbook.
In an article published today, “Forget ‘Sell in May.’ Under Trump, market could be poised for summertime gains,” the network argues that the historic seasonal weakness in stocks from May through October could be overridden this year by the tailwinds of a second Trump administration. Instead of the usual summer lull, the market may actually be poised for meaningful summertime gains.
The upcoming six-month period has historically been such a bad stretch for the stock market that Wall Street has an adage for it: “Sell in May and go away.” Data compiled by CFRA’s Sam Stovall shows the S & P 500 has averaged a gain of just 2% between April 30 and Oct. 31 going back to 1945. Between Oct. 31 and April 30, the benchmark averages an advance of nearly 7%. In recent years, however, investors who sold in May and went away missed out on sharp advances…
Stocks have also performed well during this period under President Donald Trump. “During Trump Presidency Years, the S & P 500 has tended to carve out a spring bottom in late March to early April before staging meaningful advances into year-end,” Jeff Hirsch, editor of the Stock Trader’s Almanac, said in an email earlier this week. “S & P 500′s low close was March 30. The two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire has held — and despite weekend peace talks ending without a deal, a new round of in-person negotiations is in the works this week. So far, 2026 is tracking the Trump Presidency seasonal pattern closely,” he said.
With Trump back in the White House, investors appear to be pricing in a more supportive backdrop for corporate earnings and risk assets. The article highlights how these factors could sustain momentum through the summer rather than letting the usual seasonal headwinds take over. While the piece stops short of guaranteeing gains, it makes a compelling case that the old calendar-based strategy may be outdated in the current political and economic climate.
This view aligns with broader market chatter we’ve seen in recent days. Other analysts have also begun questioning whether the traditional May-October weakness will materialize, especially after stocks have already shown resilience following earlier volatility tied to geopolitical events and tariff concerns.
For Apple investors and the broader tech sector — which has been a key driver of market performance — the message is potentially bullish. Stronger overall market sentiment and pro-growth policies tend to lift high-valuation growth stocks like AAPL, especially if consumer and enterprise spending holds up or improves under the new administration.
Of course, nothing is certain in the markets. Tariff negotiations, inflation data, Federal Reserve moves, and any fresh geopolitical developments could still introduce volatility. But the CNBC analysis offers a refreshing counterpoint to the usual summer skepticism and gives investors a reason to stay engaged rather than automatically heading for the exits.
MacDailyNews Take: If the current Trump-era policy tailwinds continue to materialize as many analysts expect, “Sell in May” could turn out to be the wrong move this year. Summer trading could be a lot more interesting (and rewarding) than the old adage suggests.
Apple and, indeed, the entire U.S. economy, are primed to roar in 2026! – MacDailyNews, February 20, 2026
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