SteadyTapeQuantitative Market Research

Quarterly Scenarios

2026 is “Q1 ↓ · Q2 ↑”: H2 positive 68% of 22 analog years (median +4.5%).

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Classifies every year by the sign of its Q1 and Q2 returns into four scenarios (Q1↑Q2↑ / Q1↓Q2↑ / Q1↑Q2↓ / Q1↓Q2↓) and shows the forward Q3 / Q4 / H2 / full-year outcome for each. The current year drops into its scenario automatically — "Q1 down, Q2 up" has front-run a strong H2.

2026 scenario
Q1 ↓ · Q2 ↑
“Q1 ↓ · Q2 ↑” H2
+4.5%
68% positive
Analog years
22
Sample
98 complete years

When to run this study

Run any time after Q2 closes (July onward) to see which of the four Q1/Q2 scenarios the year fell into and what history says about the rest of it. The standout is "Q1 down, Q2 up" — a first-half comeback that has led to a strong H2 far more often than not.

Historical results

Rest-of-year by Q1/Q2 scenario

ScenarionQ3Q4H2 (Jul–Dec)H2 +%Full yearFY +%
Q1 ↑ · Q2 ↑371.604.706.707819.3095
Q1 ↓ · Q2 ↑223.104.204.50686.2068
Q1 ↑ · Q2 ↓213.204.604.70621167
Q1 ↓ · Q2 ↓183.202.802.1056-11.2011
All years982.904.605.506811.4067