Sevens Report: December Stock Gains Come From Late-Month Strength
Seasonality favors the back half of December more than early trading.
This chart suggests Santa rallies typically pick up late in December
A new Sevens Report analysis highlights that December’s strong historical returns in the S&P 500 are overwhelmingly concentrated in the final two weeks of the month—not the first. Citing Ryan Detrick’s 75-year data, December has delivered a 1.4% average gain with a 73% win rate, making it the strongest month of the year.
Sevens noted the front half is usually choppy, and this year is no exception, with the S&P 500 slightly negative through mid-month. The report credits lighter volumes, fund positioning, year-end flows, and anticipation of the Santa Claus rally for late-month strength.
Still, Sevens warned the trend isn’t guaranteed and should be viewed as a helpful tendency—not a certainty.
Also, click here to view the full article published in Investing.com on December 17th, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.
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