Should You Sell in May and Go Away - 208

Should You Sell in May and Go Away - 208

Author: Allen Sama July 3, 2026 Duration: 38:25

Should you sell in May and go away? It is one of the oldest and most frequently repeated adages in the financial world. As the summer heat rolls in and Wall Street professionals head out on vacation, many retail investors assume it is time to pack up their portfolios and wait for the fall. But does this legendary strategy actually hold up to modern market data? In this episode, we dive deep into the research from top institutions to see if taking a summer break is a savvy risk management move—or a massive missed opportunity for theta decay. If you want to know how the summer doldrums truly affect market volume, volatility, and option premiums, you cannot afford to miss this breakdown.

What you'll discover:

  • The surprising historical truth about stock market performance in July.

  • Why the infamous summer volume drop is a double-edged sword for conservative option sellers.

  • The exact month that decades of data pinpoint as the actual danger zone for your portfolio.

  • How to leverage rising summer VIX trends to collect higher premiums.

  • A simple rule for order execution that will save you from getting burned by thin liquidity.

Episode Timeline:

  • 0:46 - The origin of the famous Wall Street summer myth and why the media keeps repeating it.

  • 4:23 - The hard data from 1950 to today: Does the market actually crash when the bankers go to the Hamptons?

  • 13:27 - The precise way option sellers should adjust their strategies for summer's thin liquidity and wide spreads.

  • 18:17 - Why September is historically the most dangerous month for your portfolio (and the perfect time to actually take a vacation).

  • 27:20 - A quick look at breakout sectors and when it might be time to trim your high-flying equity positions.

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe to the Option Genius Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite listening app, and share it with a fellow investor who wants to build wealth responsibly!


Allen Sama hosts The Option Genius Podcast: Options Trading For Income and Growth, a space dedicated to demystifying the world of options. This isn't about complex theory or Wall Street jargon meant to impress; it's a practical conversation focused on building real income streams and growing your capital through strategic trades. Each episode breaks down methods that can be applied whether you're looking to trade full-time, develop a lucrative side hustle, or simply generate consistent extra cash from the stock market. You'll hear clear explanations of strategies, discussions on managing risk, and insights into navigating market shifts, all aimed at making the process more straightforward and even enjoyable. The underlying mission of this podcast is a pursuit of financial freedom-that point where money worries fade and you have ample security. Tune in for actionable guidance that helps individual investors move toward greater confidence and independence with their portfolios.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Option Genius Podcast: Options Trading For Income and Growth
Podcast Episodes
Is Trump A Good Stock Picker? - 202 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:32
Is the U.S. Government Your New Best Stock Picker? The U.S. government is fundamentally changing how it funds corporate America—moving away from traditional "free money" bailouts and quietly securing direct equity stakes…
50 Years of Lessons - 201 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:22
In this episode of the Option Genius Podcast, Allen Sama celebrates a special occasion: the 50th birthday of Option Genius coach, Matt. But this isn't just a celebration; it's a deep dive into the wisdom gained from a de…
PROOF The AI Bubble Is About To Burst - 200 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:47
In this episode of the Option Genius Podcast, we tackle one of the most pressing questions in today's euphoric market. We are currently witnessing an AI frenzy that looks and feels incredibly similar to the late 90s .com…
Adjustment Vs Roll - 199 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:52
In the world of options trading, these two terms are often thrown around interchangeably, leading to massive confusion for individual investors. In this episode, we cut through the wordplay to define exactly what these m…
Best First Trade For A New Options Trader - 198 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:15
Choosing your very first options trade can be a paralyzing decision, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we break down the three fundamental strategies every beginner should consider: covered calls, naked puts, a…
The Playbook To Beat The Market In 2026 - 197 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:38
The market playbook of 2025 is radically different from what we need in 2026. With slowing GDP growth (projected 1-2% next year), flat inflation/prices, and massive uncertainty surrounding Fed independence, AI margins, a…
Warren Buffet's Greatest Advice - 196 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:42
We all know the Oracle of Omaha is a legendary investor, but does his wisdom apply to short-term options trading? In this episode, we break down Warren Buffett's most famous quotes and analyze them through the lens of an…
The New Trump Trade (Not TACO) - 195 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:38
We've all heard of the "TACO" (Trump Always Chickens Out) trade, but there's a new, more powerful government-driven strategy in play. This episode reveals a simple yet potent playbook for what we're calling: The New Trum…
Option Trading Brokers Reviewed - 194 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:10
You can't trade without a broker, but having the wrong one is like trading with one hand tied behind your back. With all the consolidation and new players in the industry, how do you choose the right one for your options…
The Fed is Cutting Rates. Here's What History Says Happens Next - 193 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:42
The Federal Reserve has officially started a rate-cutting cycle, and Chairman Powell has telegraphed that more cuts are likely on the way. For traders, this is a time to be "licking your chops." This episode is all about…