By Zacks Equity Research
Publication Date: 2026-03-13 08:18:00
Chicago, IL – March 13, 2026 – Today, Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights Oracle ORCL and Nvidia NVDA.
Seasonal patterns can often create powerful turning points.
The early part of this year has felt like one of those moments. After a strong finish to 2025, the market began the year with a classic risk-off rotation: capital flowed out of high-growth technology names into more defensive sectors such as consumer staples and utilities.
The Nasdaq has lagged the S&P 500 year-to-date, and many investors have questioned whether the AI-driven rally had run its course. Yet as we move deeper into March—the historical sweet spot for midterm-election years—there’s reason to believe the pause is temporary. A spring rally appears increasingly likely, with technology poised to retake the lead once again.
The historical case for seasonal strength is compelling, particularly in midterm years. According to the Stock Trader’s Almanac, March ranks as the 4th-best performing month for the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 in midterm election years, and the 3rd-best for the Nasdaq. Adding to the bullish case, over the past seven such instances, the Dow and S&P 500 have posted gains in six of them, while the Nasdaq has been positive in five.
The Almanac also notes that strength in March often persists through April in these years, as the “Best Six Months” period (November through April) historically accounts for the bulk of annual market…