an tSionna {Dow Performance}

Bespoke Investment Group takes a look at the Dow's performance through January as of last week:

"For investors who were looking for a repeat of 2013, 2014 has not gotten off to a very good start.  Yes, the slow start has been a bit disconcerting, but when you compare the performance of the DJIA since the start of December to its performance from December through January over the last twenty years, the current pattern is nearly a carbon copy of the 'typical' pattern.  If the pattern continues, look for continued weakness through next week before a rebound to close out the month."

My Comment:  Seasonal pattern of the past few years of the major indices getting off to a very strong start from the get-go in January has not held this year.  In some circles this is a cause for concern.  I think we need to balance that versus a market that was up so sharply in both 2013's fourth quarter and for December.  I think we "stole" some of this year's gains into that run up.   Time will tell.  

Link:  Bespoke:  A textbook Start to 2014?

*Long ETFs related to the Dow Jones Industrial Average in certain client accounts.