Long-Term
Decennial Pattern & Performance
The table averages market performance for each calendar year ending in the same digit and shows how often those years closed up or down. We’re now in a year ending in 5, which has historically been the best-performing of the lot. Out of nine such years, the market closed higher eight times.
Please note that the up/down counts in the table reflect only the direction of the yearly close and do not distinguish between small or large gains or losses. A year marked as “up” may include increases as minimal as 0.1%.
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Avg % | 1.34% | 1.38% | 0.64% | 16.27% | 7.97% | 22.05% | 9.41% | 1.49% | 10.07% | 10.37% |
| Up/Down | 5/5 | 5/5 | 6/4 | 8/2 | 7/3 | 8/1 | 7/2 | 6/3 | 7/3 | 7/3 |
Kitchin Cycle
The Kitchin Cycle is a short-term business cycle lasting approximately 40.68 months, or about 3.4 years. First identified by economist Joseph Kitchin in the 1920s, it reflects recurring fluctuations in production and inventories. These cycles are driven by delays in information flow and business decision-making — companies respond to market signals with a lag, often overcorrecting by overproducing or underproducing. The result is a rhythmic, short-term economic pulse, distinct from longer cycles like Juglar or Kondratiev waves. Source: Technical Analysis Explained – Martin J. Pring.
| Last Forecast Date | Type | Actual Date | Actual Direction | Next Peak | Next Valley |
| 09/04/2025 | Valley | 07/04/2025 | Up untill next peak | 23/04/2027 | 08/12/2028 |
Presidential Cycle
Post-Election Year (Year 1):
The first year after an election often begins on a shaky footing. Investors face uncertainty as the new or continuing administration rolls out its agenda, which can spark heightened volatility. Markets tend to struggle in the early months, moving in a sluggish, uneven fashion before finding a firmer footing into late spring and summer. That rally phase is usually short-lived, as the market frequently rolls over into a sharp correction in the autumn months. By the end of the year, however, stocks often stabilize and manage to recover a portion of the earlier decline, leaving the overall year mixed or modestly positive.
Midterm Year (Year 2):
The second year is historically the most difficult. The weakness from late in Year 1 can spill over, and the first half of the year is often dominated by hesitancy, uneven growth, or outright declines. Political uncertainty around midterm elections tends to weigh on sentiment, while policy adjustments or tighter monetary conditions can add to the pressure. The turning point usually comes in the latter part of the year. By autumn, markets often carve out an important low, setting the stage for a strong rebound in the final quarter, as election results bring clarity and forward-looking investors position for the next phase of the cycle.
Pre-Election Year (Year 3):
The third year of the cycle is typically the strongest. The environment is generally characterized by policy support, as administrations often encourage growth and stability ahead of the coming election. Markets tend to respond with steady, broad-based advances that can last through much of the year. Pullbacks do occur, but they are usually shallow and quickly reversed, as the dominant tone is constructive. Investor confidence tends to be high, liquidity conditions are often favorable, and risk appetite expands. This combination makes Year 3 the most consistent bull phase of the four-year pattern.
Election Year (Year 4):
The final year of the cycle carries a more complex personality. The bullish momentum from Year 3 often extends into the opening months, but as campaigning heats up and polls shift, the market can grow unsettled. Volatility becomes more pronounced, with swings tied to election headlines, policy promises, or unexpected political developments. Despite this choppiness, the underlying trend tends to remain positive. Once the outcome of the election becomes clearer, markets usually regain their footing and push higher into year-end. Though less robust than Year 3, Election Years still often deliver respectable gains.
January Barometer
This is a modified interpretation of the classic January Barometer originally introduced by Yale Hirsch, which states: “As goes the S&P in January, so goes the year.” In this version, the focus shifts away from absolute direction and instead emphasizes potential inflection points, changes in trajectory, and the steepness of price movements. The directional bias of individual segments is intentionally disregarded, as historical reliability on that front remains questionable.
The core concept involves extrapolating January’s behavioral pattern across the entire calendar year — essentially “stretching” the market’s movements from January and projecting that rhythm through to December, as a framework for observing possible structural or psychological echoes in market behavior.
My Yearly Market Blueprint
This represents my yearly forecast. As noted earlier, the projected turning points have shown a reasonable degree of reliability — though, regrettably, the same cannot be said for directional accuracy. The blue line reflects the original forecast published in December 2024, the green line marks the revised outlook, and the red line tracks actual market behavior. Updated at EOM.
Mid-Term
Seasonal Patterns
Source: The Research Driven Investor by Timothy Hayes
The chart below illustrates the stock market’s seasonal tendencies — its historical propensity to rise or fall during each calendar month. We’ll use this as the primary basis for establishing a mid-term directional bias.
Note: While the chart on the left is based on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the accompanying monthly performance table reflects data from the S&P 500. Similar to the yearly performance table above, keep in mind the usual caveats — seasonal patterns can inform bias, but they’re far from guarantees.
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| Avg. | 1.2% | -0.2% | +0.4% | +1.1% | 0.0% | +0.9% | +1.4% | +0.5% | -1.1% | +0.5% | +0.9% | +1.2% |
| % Up | 61% | 53% | 60% | 62% | 61% | 58% | 61% | 58% | 46% | 58% | 60% | 73% |
Sector Signals and Relative Strength
DJU
The Dow Jones Utilities Average (DJU) is used here as a leading indicator for potential weakness in the broader equity markets. While I can’t recall the original source of this idea, I’ll be sure to credit the author if and when it comes back to me. Through observation and analysis, I’ve found that the DJU often signals prolonged periods of market weakness approximately three months in advance of major indices like the S&P 500. This lead time is an average — typically around 55 trading days — with a buffer of roughly ±1 week to account for variability.
SPXEW & VALUA
Historically, divergence between the S&P 500 and broader measures such as the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (SPXEW) has often served as an early warning signal for upcoming corrections in the S&P 500. While the S&P 500 is weighted by market capitalization, giving more influence to the largest companies, the SPXEW treats all 500 constituents equally, offering a more balanced view of overall market participation. These divergences tend to be more reliable when signaling tops rather than bottoms. Tops usually form gradually, allowing time for divergences to emerge. Bottoms, however, are often sharp and “V”-shaped, giving little warning. As a result, while this method can help identify downside risk, it’s far less effective at spotting recoveries or timing market lows.
XBD/SPY & XLP/SPY Relative Strenght
Source: Technical Analysis Explained – Martin J. Pring
Relative Strength (RS) is a technical metric used to evaluate the performance relationship between two securities. In the chart, we compare XBD (Securities Brokers – blue line) and XLP (Consumer Staples – inverted, orange line), both measured relative to the SPY.
Starting with XLP/SPY: XLP represents the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR. The underlying premise is that during bear markets, investors often seek refuge in consumer staples due to their defensive nature. Conversely, in bull markets, these stocks tend to underperform as capital shifts toward higher-growth, more speculative sectors. For this reason, the XLP/SPY line has been plotted in an inverted format, allowing for easier identification of divergences that often signal shifts in investor sentiment.
Now, turning to XBD/SPY: XBD represents the NYSE Arca Securities Broker/Dealer Index. Historically, this index has shown a tendency to lead market tops and bottoms. When the relative strength line peaks and begins to decline or move sideways, it often precedes a change in market trend—though the timing can vary. This change may result in a downturn or simply a period of consolidation. The inverse also holds true, with the index providing useful signals near market bottoms as well.
Monthly Forecasts
OCTOBER
To be honest, I don’t have “real” DOIs for October beyond the 2nd. What I see is a rise stretching into the 23rd, where we could hit a digestion phase—basically sideways action as profits get taken till the 29th were another leg up may take place. Those ranges I’ve marked are what I’d call turbulence dates: spots where I expect 1–2 candles to move against the main trend before the uptrend resumes within 3–4 candles. Eventually, this strong run will need to correct downward and shed some profits, but I suspect that won’t show up until the first week of November. So for October, think of those dates as either digestion points or possible reversals—it’s your call which one plays out.
OCTOBER’s DOIs: 2nd, 7th–9th, 15th–17th, 23rd, 29th.
DOIs: “DOI” refers to “Date of Interest” — a term used to highlight specific days when potential market reversals or periods of heightened volatility may occur. The methodology behind the identification of these dates has not been disclosed in previous publications and will remain confidential in future ones.
Short-Term
S&P500
This chart employs a simple yet effective methodology for identifying theoretical support and resistance zones. It calculates key levels based on fixed percentage moves from both the most recent significant high or low, as well as from the extreme points — either the lowest low or highest high — within the current trend structure. Additionally, it factors in speed deviations, both positive and negative, relative to the prevailing trend. These elements serve to identify potential zones where price action may stall, reverse, or accelerate, providing a structured framework for anticipating significant market reactions.
The following guidelines outline how to interpret the various types of support and resistance levels:
Lime Lines: Based on open interest (OI) calculations, these levels are extrapolated and typically regarded as resistance zones. Conversely, the accompanying blue lines in this context are interpreted as support levels.
Dashed Lines: These represent fixed percentage retracements, typically measured from the visible highest high to the lowest low on the chart.
Sloped Lines: Derived from the primary trend, which is selected at the author’s discretion. These lines reflect the directional bias and momentum of the prevailing trend.
Red and Blue Lines: Red lines indicate trendlines that move at a percentage rate faster than the main trend, while blue lines represent those that are slower. These help visualize relative acceleration or deceleration in price movement.
Purple Lines: If present, these mark subjective or discretionary levels of potential support or resistance identified by the author.
This chart displays a heat map of potential support and resistance levels derived from open interest in SPX options. The analysis takes into account various option characteristics, including expiration dates, moneyness, and strike distributions. The specific parameters and selection criteria have been determined at the author’s discretion and are not disclosed.
Darker areas on the heat map indicate a higher concentration of open interest, which may signal zones of market sensitivity. It’s worth noting that a significant portion of open interest—particularly in out-of-the-money puts below the current market price—is often used as part of hedging strategies by institutional participants and market makers. While these levels can act as potential areas of support or resistance, they should be interpreted as context rather than certainty, as not all open interest reflects directional intent.
VIX
For the VIX, I primarily focus on trendlines and channels, using closing or opening prices rather than highs or lows. I avoid indicators — the VIX tends to respect structure more than signals. The colored levels on my chart are straightforward: they serve as both support/resistance zones and trigger levels, depending on price behavior.
Summary
Long-Term View
The broader outlook remains positive, though two key seasonal indicators — the Presidential Cycle and the January Barometer — are flashing potential for a sharper correction heading into autumn. While not predictive in isolation, both suggest Q4 may come with increased volatility and a possible inflection point.
Mid-Term View
Seasonal patterns currently suggest a period of reduced market weakness, marking the beginning of what has historically been the strongest five-month stretch for equities. However, when considering the Dow Jones Utility Average (DJU) as a longer-term leading indicator—typically with a lag of approximately three months—it points to the potential for near-term weakness that may soon materialize.
While the S&P 500 recorded a new all-time high today, the equal-weighted S&P 500 index (SPXEW) did not manage to close above its October 3rd high, indicating a possible divergence in breadth. From a technical perspective, the SPXEW has formed a sequence that warrants attention: a low on September 25th, a high on October 3rd, a lower low on October 10th, and—if today marks a pivot point—a potential lower high on October 24th. This sequence aligns with the early stages of a possible downtrend.
In sector performance, the relative strength of the Broker-Dealer Index (XBD) continues to decline at a consistent rate, while the Consumer Staples sector (XLP) appears to have recovered from its recent dip. A similar pattern was observed in the May–July 2024 period, where relative weakness eventually transitioned into a broader move. For any meaningful downside confirmation, it would be important to see XBD form a clear bottom and both XBD and XLP relative strength lines begin to converge.
Finally, monthly cycle forecasts have highlighted October 29th as a potential Date of Interest (DOI). Price action and technical signals around that date may offer valuable insight into the market’s next directional bias.
Short-Term View
The market has managed to reclaim levels above the primary trendline. While not clearly visible in the current chart setup, price is now testing a slightly steeper secondary trendline—often referred to as the “faster” red trendline. In the same area, there are a few notable open interest (OI) concentration zones, marked by green lines, though little else in terms of structural resistance. Below current levels, the main trendline remains intact and has demonstrated reliability over the past several months. Additionally, there is a key level at 6707—identified in prior analyses as a significant support marker—along with several OI reference lines and fixed-percentage retracement levels drawn from major highs and lows, represented by dashed lines.
The OI map provides a clearer view of positioning dynamics, showing a concentration of resistance just above current levels, while support remains well-established below. Of particular note is the visible compression in significant OI levels, suggesting a narrowing range that may lead to a more decisive move once resolved.
The VIX has cooled, reflecting lower implied volatility and, by extension, more affordable portfolio hedging. For investors employing a strategy of maintaining a fixed-percentage hedge, any interaction with key levels or trendlines may serve as a suitable entry point for initiating small hedges. This approach can be useful in balancing portfolio risk, potentially enhancing returns during upward movements while providing some downside protection during periods of market stress. Executing such strategies effectively requires an understanding of one’s portfolio beta and the delta exposure corresponding to the portion of capital being hedged.
Regarding the VIX chart itself, both primary trendlines remain in place. The most recent candle closed near the intersection of these two lines, suggesting a potential inflection point. Previous support levels in this region may now act as resistance, and vice versa, depending on how volatility evolves in the coming sessions.
What’s Ahead
Next week’s trading calendar will be relatively straightforward, with no scheduled options expirations or market holidays. However, as it coincides with the end of the month, investors should be aware of potential flows related to portfolio rebalancing—both inflows and outflows—that can impact market dynamics. Additionally, some countries will transition out of daylight saving time during the week. It is important to ensure alignment with U.S. market hours, as the United States will make its own daylight saving adjustment the following week.
EVENTS
- 29th October 2025 18:00UTC Fed Interest Rate Decision
- 29th October 2025 18:30UTC Fed Press Conference
- 30th October 2025 12:30UTC GDP
- 30th October 2025 12:30UTC Initial Jobless Claims
Outlook & Expectations
Looking to next week, I’ve flagged the 23rd as a potential day of interest (DOI). That doesn’t necessarily imply downside. In fact, we could see a bounce begin as early as tomorrow, with some downward pressure tied to options expiry. I’d expect choppiness to continue until around the 22nd, where we may see bullish momentum build. For the next potential leg down, I’m watching around the 27th.
We saw a bounce on Friday the 17th, following the red candle from the previous session. The initial expectation was for a period of choppiness, with bullish momentum resuming closer to the 22nd, in line with the Date of Interest (DOI) on the 23rd. However, what actually developed was a steady rise beginning on the 17th, with only a brief pause on the 22nd.
Looking across multiple timeframes, the picture is somewhat mixed. Long-term charts continue to show a solid bullish structure, while mid- and short-term charts present a more uncertain outlook. This divergence may suggest upcoming volatility in the near term, though not necessarily a decline. It could just as easily indicate continued consolidation or sideways movement. October, as historical patterns show, tends to be an unpredictable month, with potential buying opportunities often concentrated near the end. That’s exactly where we are now. Seasonality also points to two common accumulation windows during the year: May–June and late October. While these are not guarantees, they are worth monitoring.
Next week brings a number of scheduled events that could influence market direction. I typically form a base-case scenario and then monitor how data aligns with or challenges that view. It’s important to remember that certain events—especially those that introduce new, unexpected information—can shift sentiment and trigger short-term market adjustments, typically lasting one to three sessions unless the news is particularly significant.
Given the current backdrop of mixed technical signals, seasonal influences, and a dense calendar of upcoming events, establishing a high-conviction forecast for the week ahead is not straightforward. While certain indicators point to underlying weakness, others suggest the potential for renewed strength, particularly as we enter what has historically been one of the most favorable seasonal periods for equities. This creates a somewhat balanced scenario in which upside and downside pressures may effectively offset each other—leaving the possibility of continued consolidation or sideways movement well within reason.
Key dates to monitor include the revised Date of Interest (DOI) on October 27th and the originally projected DOI on October 29th. Price action and volume behavior around these timeframes may offer valuable clues regarding the market’s near-term direction. Until clearer signals emerge, a neutral stance remains justified, with a focus on risk management and readiness to respond should a more directional move begin to take shape.
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