A look at the seasonal trends in August markets

A look at the seasonal trends in August markets

At the start of July I wrote about some seasonal trends.

July forex seasonals #3: Stock markets sizzle

This was a winner with the S&P 500 rising 1.3%, even with yesterday's decline.

July forex seasonals #2: Commodity currency climb

Through the first three weeks of July this was a great trade with NZD up 1.3%, AUD up 1.0% and CAD up 0.1%. However in the past week all three trades gave it all back (and more).

July forex seasonals #1: USD/JPY in a bind

The post noted that it was the worst month of the year for USD/JPY. That didn't hold up but the range for USD/JPY was very hight on the month and the pair finished up about 50 pips.

Overall, it wasn't a great performance from the seasonals but I'd argue they were overwhelmed by the Fed.

In August, central banks will be less of a factor with no ECB, BOE or Fed decisions on the agenda.

Here are six seasonal highlights:

  1. Weakest month for NZD/USD
  2. 2nd weakest month of the year for CAD
  3. 2nd weakest month of the year for AUD/USD
  4. 2nd weakest month for cable
  5. 2nd strongest month for gold
  6. The poorest month over the past decade for the S&P 500