Team photo
Centuria Financial Group

David P. McCabe,

WMCP®, ChFC®, CLU®

Financial Planner

david.mccabe@prudential.com

 

Nathaniel D. High,

CFP®, RICP®

Financial Planner

nathaniel.high@prudential.com

 

Nicholas J. Over, CFP®

Financial Planner

nicholas.over@prudential.com

 

Sara E. Martin

Operations Manager

sara.martin@prudential.com

 

Molly R. Kelsh

Client Service Specialist

 

 

Centuria Financial Group

2333 Baltimore Blvd Suite B

Finksburg, MD 21048

 

Phone:  443-952-7232

November/December 2025

Is Santa Clause Coming To Town?

Close up portrait of smiling Santa Claus looking at camera and adjusting glasses on Christmas

History
Yale Hirsch, the founder of the annual Stock Trader's Almanac, coined the "Santa Claus Rally" in 1972 for the likely market performance during the last five trading days of December and the first two trading days of January (12/ to 1/ this year). But the history of the Santa Claus rally dates to the early 1900s. In 1942, author Sidney B. Wachtel presented the analysis in "The Journal of the Business of the University of Chicago." Wachtel used the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) to study the effect from 1927 to 1942.


While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, the period has posted 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 stocks decline during this period, significant market downturns have often followed. For example, in 1999, a 4% decline during the Santa Claus rally period was followed by the Dow's 37.8% slide over the next 33 months, and in 2007, a rally period decline preceded the 2008 financial crisis.


Possible Causes
One theory is that greater consumer spending during the holiday season leads to positive retail earnings, giving investors confidence and increasing stock prices. Another factor is the general mood in the market. Investors often feel more optimistic around the holidays, buying more stocks. They rebalance their portfolios and invest year-end bonuses. Trading activity among individual and institutional investors trends lower, leading to lower market volumes and upward price movements, that allow the Santa Claus rally to thrive.


Approach with Skepticism
It's smart to be aware of market conditions and focus on long-term investing strategies rather than relying on seasonal trends. Monitor your investments and overall market conditions, and stay in touch with your financial professional about how your investments could behave during this unique time.

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David P. McCabe, Nathaniel D. High, and Nicholas J. Over are Financial Planners with, and offer securities and investment advisory service through LPL Enterprise (LPLE), a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC, and an affiliate of LPL Financial.
LPLE and LPL Financial are not affiliated with Centuria Financial Group.
This newsletter is general educational information provided by a Prudential Financial Professional and is not intended to market or sell any specific products and services, but rather provide general information about the subject matter covered only.
Centuria Financial Group and LTM Marketing Specialists LLC are unrelated companies. This publication was prepared for the publication’s provider by LTM Client Marketing, an unrelated third party. Articles are not written or produced by the named representative.

The information and opinions contained in this web site are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors and omissions or for any damages resulting from the use of the published information. This web site is published with the understanding that it does not render legal, accounting, financial, or other professional advice. Whole or partial reproduction of this web site is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.