Follow the Patterns By Rev Shark About this article: So far this year we have seen positive market action in the first few days of every month except for March. The strength has generally lasted about three to five days, but we have always dipped subsequently and made little further progress each month, other than in April. So the action today is very much in line with the prevailing pattern. The explanation given for this tendency is that automatic pension contributions and the like are made on the first, and that money is immediately put to work in the market. There doesn't seem to be any reason to doubt that, as it certainly has been a strong pattern. Even though this tendency is no secret, it sure looks like some folks were caught by surprise today. I think many were looking forward to some slower action in front of the holiday. Breadth is quite strong... Or, call us at 1-866-321-TSCM (8726) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. ET. Outside the U.S. and in Canada, call 1-212-321-5200.

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