Core Insights - The S&P 500 is experiencing a significant yearly gain of 16%, leading investors to consider whether to take profits or hold for a potential year-end rally [1] - The S&P 500 has defied the "sell in May and go away" trend, achieving a remarkable 22.9% gain from May to October, compared to the historical average of 2.1% for this period [2] - Historical data indicates that when stocks achieve double-digit summer gains, the S&P 500 typically averages nearly 12% gains from November through April, surpassing the usual 7% return [3] - November and December are historically bullish months for the S&P 500, averaging a 3.1% gain and positive returns 76% of the time since 1945 [4] - Seasonal trends should be contextualized within current market conditions, as they do not always predict actual performance [5] - Economic conditions, earnings, geopolitics, and policy factors are significant drivers of stock market performance this year [6]