Event: Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed at 3:00 pm on the last Monday of May to honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Many will wear the symbolic red poppy flower on Memorial Day to honor the dead. Why the red poppy? It was made famous in the poem “In Flanders Field” written by John McCrae during World War One. The common red field poppy was one of the first plants to reappear in battle-scarred fields. Its seeds would lay dormant in the ground, only germinating when the ground was disturbed, as was the case during the fierce fighting of WWI.
It should be noted that prior to 1971 Memorial Day was observed on May 30th but was moved to the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. Memorial Day is officially a Federal Holiday and also unofficially the start of Summer.
The questions is … How do the markets perform leading up to Memorial Day?
Market Comparision
How do the markets perform leading up to Memorial Day? The analysis table below breaks down each of the 30+ markets into four separate trading periods. These time frames span 6-days, 4-day, 2-days, and the event day itself. The return performance for each time frame is measured against its normal performance during the year to calculate a final over or underperformance return. This metric quantifies, in percentage points, the advantages or disadvantages associated with Memorial Day. Markets highlighted with a checkmark or an “x” should be closely monitored for potential strength or weakness heading into the event.
It should be noted there is a distinction between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day commemorates those who died in battle and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. While Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor those who served—in wartime and peacetime whether they died or survived.
“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Calendar Breakdown by Events
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