September often gets a bad rap as the weakest month for stocks, but for savvy investors, pullbacks can be a hidden opportunity. This newsletter explores why seasonal dips occur, which high-quality companies are presenting buying opportunities, and how combining technical signals with fundamental research can turn short-term volatility into long-term portfolio strength. Learn how to see opportunity when others see red.
Let’s embark on this transformative journey together and position your portfolio for success in this evolving market landscape!
Be sure to read through to the end to catch all the valuable insights this newsletter delivers to your inbox today.
🍂📉September Pullbacks: The Quiet Advantage for Smart Investors
Markets have a reputation. September, in particular, carries a persistent myth: it’s the worst month for stocks. Since 1928, historical averages suggest it’s the weakest month of the year for equities. But here’s the thing—history doesn’t dictate your portfolio. It signals opportunity. For the investor who pays attention to nuance, September’s dips are not a curse—they are a potential advantage, a moment to act when the crowd hesitates and fear dominates headlines.
Understanding the September Effect
Why does September historically underperform? Several factors converge:
Portfolio Rebalancing & Tax Loss Harvesting
Investors frequently adjust their positions at year-end. In years where the market has been exceptionally strong, selling positions to lock in gains or selling underperforming shares for tax purposes can create temporary downward pressure. Over the past two-and-a-half years, markets have been broadly green. So some pullback this month is natural and expected.Behavioral Biases
The “post-summer reality check” sees investors returning from vacations and reassessing their portfolios. Optimism fades, and caution increases. People anticipate a drop because history tells them to. That anticipation often causes exactly what they fear—a self-fulfilling prophecy.Economic and Business Cycle Factors
September falls within a period of macroeconomic uncertainty. This year, market speculation around interest rate decisions is intense. The current probability of a 25-basis-point cut in September is 82%, which could trigger either relief rallies or caution-driven sell-offs. Meanwhile, consumer spending trends remain relatively healthy, which may limit the severity of any pullback.Back-to-School and Seasonal Shifts
While minor, seasonal spending changes and business cycle shifts also contribute to temporary dips. Reduced consumer activity after summer can influence certain sectors more than others.
The key takeaway? For the informed investor, these patterns are signals—not warnings. Every dip creates a window to purchase high-quality shares at lower prices.
Where Opportunity Lies Right Now
When looking beyond market averages, some companies stand out as especially attractive during September pullbacks:
Software Leaders: Adobe, Salesforce, ServiceNow
Software stocks have been hit recently, yet their fundamentals remain strong. Adobe $ADBE ( ▲ 1.35% ) and Salesforce $CRM ( ▲ 2.77% ) are trading at valuations that present long-term buying opportunities. ServiceNow $NOW ( ▲ 1.7% ) is another quality company whose recent pullbacks have created an advantageous entry point.Healthcare & Tech Innovators: Oscar Health, HIMS, Zeta
Oscar Health $OSCR ( ▲ 5.71% ) is currently down over 7%, and HIMS $HIMS ( ▲ 0.62% ) has dipped nearly 14% in recent weeks. These pullbacks are not signs of systemic trouble—they are temporary reactions to market conditions. Zeta $ZETA ( ▲ 1.18% ) , with its rapid growth, also presents a compelling case for accumulation.Speculative Growth: Iron, Rocket Lab, Nebus
Speculative stocks can be risky but rewarding when chosen carefully. Iron, pivoting from Bitcoin mining to AI applications, is positioning itself for potentially lucrative contracts. Rocket Lab $RKLB ( ▲ 6.63% ) and Nebus $NBIS ( ▲ 0.86% ) demonstrate steady operational growth and have seen recent dips, creating accumulation opportunities for patient investors.
The principle is simple: quality companies occasionally experience temporary price drops, providing the chance to add to positions at attractive levels.
Technical Insights for Strategic Decisions
Technical analysis is a tool, not a prophecy. Observing patterns like moving averages can highlight favorable entry points:
200-Day & 50-Day Moving Averages
Stocks that approach or dip below these averages often experience natural rebounds. HIMS historically respects the 200-day average, suggesting potential upside after recent declines. Oscar Health, Zeta, and Nebus demonstrate similar behavior.Pullback Recovery Patterns
Companies with consistent growth histories often bounce back after minor dips. Even in speculative sectors, technical behavior can help gauge timing, positioning the savvy investor to capitalize on volatility.Options as Tactical Tools
Strategic use of options can free capital while maintaining exposure. For example, certain call options can provide upside potential at lower initial investment, complementing a broader portfolio strategy without committing large sums to highly volatile stocks.
In all cases, combining fundamental conviction with technical observation reduces risk while enhancing potential returns.
Mindset for the Busy Investor
Market noise is relentless, but a disciplined approach makes decision-making straightforward. The following principles guide effective September investing:
Focus on Specific Companies, Not Broad Indices
The S&P 500 may only be down 1–2%, yet individual stocks like HIMS, Nebus, or Rocket Lab may have declined 20–30%. These are the opportunities that matter for long-term compounding.Welcome Healthy Pullbacks
Temporary declines are natural. Pullbacks in fundamentally strong stocks are an invitation to accumulate more shares at favorable prices.Patience and Strategic Accumulation
There is no rush. Dollar-cost averaging, along with occasional strategic increases to high-conviction positions, balances risk with growth potential.Forward-Looking Opportunities
Emerging sectors, such as AI integration, innovative healthcare solutions, or international franchise expansion, can create asymmetric growth potential. Iron’s pivot, or companies expanding internationally in profitable franchise models, illustrates how disciplined research can reveal early-stage opportunities.
The most powerful edge for an overwhelmed investor is clarity: knowing which companies align with long-term trends and acting methodically.
Converting September Volatility into Portfolio Strength
Here’s the reality: September’s reputation as a weak month is less a curse than a signal. When others hesitate, disciplined investors can accumulate strong positions.
Opportunity in Fear: Temporary red days in quality companies provide a chance to purchase more shares for the same capital.
Long-Term Perspective Wins: Historical pullbacks, even when severe, have been followed by multi-month gains.
Selective Speculation: Carefully chosen speculative positions, combined with core holdings, enhance returns without undue risk.
Actionable Insight: Technical signals, coupled with strong fundamentals, reveal actionable moments to increase exposure in high-conviction stocks.
Ultimately, the lesson is clear: September pullbacks, while uncomfortable for the market as a whole, are often ideal moments to invest intelligently. By focusing on quality companies, understanding technical and behavioral signals, and maintaining discipline, September becomes less a threat and more a strategic advantage.
For the busy investor, this approach transforms market noise into actionable insight, allowing confident, deliberate portfolio growth without unnecessary stress. In other words: while most see red, the informed investor sees opportunity—and builds wealth quietly, one high-quality position at a time.
Ready to Revolutionize Your Wealth?
Here's what's waiting for you:
📈 Step-by-Step Guide: Start Investing in Minutes with Our Chosen Online Broker
🔍 Expert Insights: Uncover the Strategies Behind Our Recommended Smart Portfolios
💼 Easy Diversification: Gain Exposure to a Wide Range of Assets with Just a Few Clicks
💰 Long-Term Growth Potential: Build a Portfolio for Consistent Returns Over Time.
💸 Paying the bills
Refind - Brain food is delivered daily. Every day, we analyze thousands of articles and send you only the best, tailored to your interests. Loved by 510,562 curious minds. Subscribe.
The best trades require thorough research, followed by a commitment.
TOP MARKET NEWS
Top Market News - August 26, 2025
Retirement Savers Eye Private Assets
A new survey reveals retirement savers are increasingly interested in private assets like private equity and real estate for diversification. These investments offer potential high returns but come with higher risks and lower liquidity compared to traditional assets.
Tip: Explore private assets for diversification, but limit exposure and consult a financial advisor to assess risks.
Average Retirement Savings by Age
NerdWallet breaks down average retirement savings by age, highlighting why most people need to save more. It emphasizes early investing, maximizing contributions, and adjusting strategies to meet long-term financial goals.
Tip: Compare your savings to age-based benchmarks and increase contributions to retirement accounts to stay on track.
Retirement Math for Monthly Income
Investopedia provides a framework for calculating monthly retirement income, factoring in savings, investments, and withdrawal rates. Proper planning ensures a sustainable income stream to cover expenses in retirement.
Tip: Use a safe withdrawal rate, like 4%, and diversify investments to generate reliable retirement income.
Retirement Planning for Young People
Experts advise young people to prioritize long-term retirement planning by starting early, leveraging compound interest, and balancing risk with growth assets like stocks. Patience and consistency are key to building wealth over time.
Tip: Start investing early in growth assets like stocks to maximize the benefits of compound interest for retirement.
Advertise with Investing Wise Academy
Elevate your financial brand with targeted exposure to savvy investors and market enthusiasts. Join us early for premium discounts and a compelling story that lands in the right inboxes. Let’s grow together!
Partner with UsPROMO CONTENT
Can email newsletters make money?
With the world becoming increasingly digital, this question will be on the minds of millions of people looking for new income streams in 2025.
The answer is—Absolutely!
That’s it for this episode!
Thank you for taking the time to read today’s email! Your support is what allows me to send out this newsletter for free every day.
What do you think of the new format? Please provide your feedback in the poll below, and if you find the newsletter valuable, feel free to share it with other investors!
How would you rate today's newsletter?
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
