A Summer of Discontent, or a Summer of Opportunity? PR Newswire LONDON, May 30, 2012 LONDON, May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Do the summer months offer opportunities for active investors? Traditional wisdom says bull and bear markets play out over time, yet there are distinct seasonal trading patterns that can create trading opportunities in any given year. Many investors shy away from the markets throughout the summer months, but an analysis of seasonal trading patterns reveals that significant trading opportunities often present themselves. These opportunities could increase returns and decrease risk for those willing to take a more active approach to investing. Commenting on this year's markets to date, Colin Cieszynski, Senior Market Analyst from CMC Markets, said: "The year started out strong with sizable gains for many markets from January through March. It appears that the usual spring selloff came early this year, however, as all of the indices except the ASX were flat or lower in April. Seasonal weakness has continued in May, exacerbated by weaker economic data out of China and the US. "The attempts by European policy makers to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and growth could weigh on markets through June but have the potential to sow the seeds for a summer rebound depending on the results of the Greek election and EU summit meeting scheduled for later in the month.