The period has historically shown higher stock prices about 79% of the time since 1950. The S&P 500 index has averaged a 1.3% gain during this time. When Santa only has coal for the stockings—i.e., stocks decline during this period—this has often preceded significant market downturns. Notable examples include 1999 when a 4.0% decline during the Santa Claus rally period was followed by the Dow's 37.8% slide over the next 33 months, and 2007, which preceded the 2008 financial crisis.
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According to data from TradingView, the S&P 500 gained about 1.58% during the 2023 Santa Claus rally period.
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The Dow was up by 0.82% over this time, and the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 1.94%.
December
While the broader month of December has historically been a strong period for stocks, with the month showing gains about three-quarters of the time, the Santa Claus rally specifically focuses on the seven-day trading window around the turn of the year.
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Various theories have attempted to explain this phenomenon, including increased holiday shopping, general seasonal optimism, and the fact that many institutional investors are on vacation, leaving the market to typically more bullish retail investors. In addition, some suggest that the deployment of year-end bonuses and tax considerations play a role.
January
According to Hirsch, the first two trading days of January are an integral part of the Santa Claus rally period, tying it to broader January market patterns, including the "January Barometer," another phenomenon identified by Yale Hirsch in 1972.
The January Barometer suggests that January's market performance often sets the tone for the rest of the year. Combined with the Santa Claus rally and the market's performance in the first five trading days of January—Hirsch calls it the "January Trifecta"—these indicators can help discern patterns in the market. Since 1950, when all three indicators are positive, the market has ended the year higher about 90% of the time, with an average gain of almost 18%.
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Trading the Santa Claus Rally
While the Santa Claus rally is a well-documented phenomenon, trading it requires careful consideration. Since 1969, this seven-day period has delivered an average 1.3% gain in the S&P 500, but like any market pattern, there are no guarantees. For buy-and-hold investors and those saving for retirement in 401(k) plans, the Santa Claus rally should be more of a statistical curiosity than a reason to alter long-term investment strategies.
What Causes a Santa Claus Rally?
Several theories try to explain the Santa Claus rally, including investor optimism fueled by the holiday spirit, increased holiday shopping, and the investing of holiday bonuses. Another theory is that this is the time of year when institutional investors go on vacation, leaving the market to retail investors, who tend to be more bullish.
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What Is the January Barometer?
The January Barometer is a theory that claims that the returns experienced in the January stock market predict the performance of the market for the upcoming year.
How Was the Idea of the Santa Claus Rally Introduced?
Yale Hirsch followed stock market history and patterns and founded the Stock Trader’s Almanac in 1968. The almanac introduced the public to statistically predictable market phenomena such as the “Presidential Election Year Cycle”, “January Barometer,” and the “Santa Claus Rally."
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The Bottom Line
The Santa Claus rally represents one of Wall Street's most enduring seasonal patterns. While historical data shows the period has been reliably positive since 1950, investors should view holiday season price action within the context of their broader investment goals and risk tolerance. As with any market pattern, past performance does not guarantee future results, and success in trading these patterns often requires careful risk management and a solid understanding of market conditions.