Hedge Funds Sold $1 Trillion Early 2025: Sell Before May or Hold the Rebound?

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04-25
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Federal Reserve Governor Harker stated that if the economic data in June provides a "clear and convincing direction," a rate cut may happen in June.

Following comments from Waller and Harker, $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ rose by over 2.7%, marking its third consecutive day of gains exceeding 2%, the first such occurrence since May 2001. $Dow Jones(.DJI)$ increased by more than 1%, and $S&P 500(.SPX)$ rose by 2.03%. $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$ closed up 3.50%, and $NVIDIA(NVDA)$ gained 3.62%.

Stronger-than-expected earnings reports supported the rebound in US stocks.

Goldman Sachs believes the reasons for the rebound are becoming more compelling. One reason U.S. stocks have managed to stabilize is the relatively decent performance of recent corporate earnings reports.

While many companies have withdrawn previous earnings guidance, the downward revisions have generally not been severe.

Goldman Sachs notes that "with signs of de-escalation in the trade war, light positioning (U.S. net long and short fund leverage is near a five-year low), and improvements in market technicals, the case for betting on a stock market rebound is becoming increasingly strong."

After hedge funds have sold around $1 trillion, is it time to switch to a rebound?

JPMorgan points out that most of the U.S. stock sell-off since the beginning of the year has come from equity-focused hedge funds, with a total reduction of around $750 billion.

Another significant source of sell-offs has come from hedge funds relying on momentum strategies, such as CTAs. These funds began to unwind their large long positions in mid-February and turned to short positions in early April, with the total sell-off amount expected to be around $450 billion.

Meanwhile, short interest in the S&P 500 ETF has surged since early 2025.

In contrast to hedge funds, individual investors continue to buy US stock ETFs, with monthly net purchases maintaining a steady pace of around $50 billion. JPMorgan's report highlights that the continued buying from individual investors is an important support factor for the U.S. stock market.

With the May effect approaching, should investors sell in advance or continue holding?

The question now facing investors is whether markets will deteriorate further during the historically weaker period between May and October.

A 2022 study analyzed stock returns across 37 countries and found that returns from November to April were significantly higher than those from May to October.

A more recent 2023 study by Manulife Investment Management compared the "Sell in May and go away" strategy with a buy-and-hold approach over a 50-year period.

The findings showed that the buy-and-hold strategy generally outperformed the seasonal approach, suggesting that while the seasonal pattern exists, attempting to time the market based on this strategy may not be advantageous for investors.

  1. How do you cope with May seasonal pattern?

  2. Would you sell in advance or keep holding?

  3. Have you bottomed hunting cheap stocks in previous selloff?

  4. Is it time to switch or prepared for more pains?

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Key Resistance Level: Will S&P 500 Break Out or Turn Lower?
The S&P 500 has rebounded to 5,650 points—its level before April’s sharp sell-off and a key technical resistance zone. Following strong earnings reports from the Magnificent 7, this week’s market focus shifts to the FOMC and its signals on interest rate cuts. The market is still pricing in three rate cuts this year. ------------- Can the S&P 500 successfully break above the 5,600 level, or will it turn lower? And more importantly, can it overcome the seasonal “Sell in May” pattern?
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.
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Comments

  • Shyon
    04-25
    Shyon
    I prefer a buy-and-hold strategy rather than trying to time the market with seasonal trends like "Sell in May." The recent strength in earnings and the possibility of a rate cut if June data confirms a clearer direction give me confidence to stay invested. Tech stocks like Tesla and NVIDIA showing strong gains support this view.

    During the recent selloff, I took the chance to add some quality names at lower prices. Hedge fund selling created some pressure, but steady ETF buying from individual investors like myself helped stabilize the market. The overall tone now feels more constructive.

    That said, I’m staying cautious. I won’t rush to sell, but I’m keeping an eye on economic signals. If things change, I’ll consider adjusting my exposure. For now, I’m holding on and watching how this rebound plays out.

    @Tiger_comments @TigerStars @TigerEvents

  • icycrystal
    04-25
    icycrystal
    @koolgal @GoodLife99 @SPACE ROCKET @TigerGPT @LMSunshine @rL @Shyon @Aqa @HelenJanet @Universe宇宙

    Federal Reserve Governor Harker stated that if the economic data in June provides a "clear and convincing direction," a rate cut may happen in June.

    Following comments from Waller and Harker, $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ rose by over 2.7%, marking its third consecutive day of gains exceeding 2%, the first such occurrence since May 2001. $Dow Jones(.DJI)$ increased by more than 1%, and $S&P 500(.SPX)$ rose by 2.03%. $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$ closed up 3.50%, and $NVIDIA(NVDA)$ gained 3.62%.

    A 2022 study analyzed stock returns across 37 countries and found that returns from November to April were significantly higher than those from May to October.

    How do you cope with May seasonal pattern?


    Would you sell in advance or keep holding?


    Have you bottomed hunting cheap stocks in previous selloff?


    Is it time to switch or prepared for more pains?


    leave your comments to win tiger coins~

  • NOMS
    04-26
    NOMS
    The market is out of wack this year so I think the traditional thinking are also out of the window. While we are unsure if this rebound rally would hold, the tide seems to suggest selling in May may not be the trend this year. Trends are there when things are "normal" but this year is anything but normal. I'll test with some nibbles and a tight stop loss to avoid missing opportunities. Hoping for another dip before we blast off. Ready to blast off, guys?  How many is still super cautious holding cash atm?
  • highhand
    04-25
    highhand
    I will sell only holdings that I want to reinvest during a wave up. if not, no point trying to find the market. seasonality doesn't always work. need to check price action of your stock or index.
  • MHh
    04-26
    MHh
    I am a long term investor so May weakness could actually be a good opportunity to add good stocks at a steal. This year is also different from the past. Trump’s negotiations with the various nations to cut back on tariffs could offer a great reason for rebound. If it rebounds, I might choose to lock in profit and add again on weakness. I have begun to nibble on some ETFs when the prices dropped. I think we should be able to have some relief till the 90 day deadline by trump is up. Depending on what happens then, stock prices can turn any way. So, I would still be keeping a healthy amount of cash to buy the dip if it happens and would also lock in some profits if the rebound happens from successful rolling back of the tariffs or reduced tariffs. @rL @Kaixiang @Success88 @SPOT_ON @HelenJanet @DiAngel @Universe宇宙 @Wayneqq @Fenger1188 @LuckyPiggie come join
  • Asphen
    04-26
    Asphen
    prefer to stick to accumulation in opportune moments
    - when VIX is above 34
    - when fear indicator is high
    - in wave 3 or wave 5 of downtrends
    - keep a close watch on US20Y and US30Y treasury

    seasonal trends so far past years have shown to be not too consistent given that every year, the negativity has been different

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