50 Stocks to Buy (or Avoid) in April

• Hasbro (HAS) has finished April higher in 9 of the last 10 years, averaging 6.1% gains, and currently trades near support at $91.16 with potential to reach $100
• Lumentum (LITE) has only risen twice in the last 10 Aprils, averaging -7.5% losses, and faces bearish signals after failing to hold above $800 despite hitting a record high of $808 on March 25
• Consumer cyclical stocks dominate the buy list (including McDonald's, Marriott, Booking), while tech and telecom stocks (Intel, Verizon, ON Semiconductor) feature prominently on the avoid list

Market Summary: April Stock Seasonality Analysis

Key Findings

Schaeffer's Research analyzed S&P 500 stocks' historical April performance over the past decade, identifying 25 top performers and 25 underperformers for the month ahead. The analysis comes amid market volatility driven by U.S.-Iran geopolitical tensions.

Top Performer: Hasbro (HAS)

• Average April return: 6.1%
• Win rate: 90% (9 of last 10 years positive)
• Current price: $91.16
• Price target: Near $100 if pattern holds
• Technical support: 80-day moving average at $90
• Recent high: $106.98 (Feb. 12, six-year peak)

Consumer cyclical stocks dominate the outperformer list, including Constellation Brands (STZ), McDonald's (MCD), Booking (BKNG), and Marriott International (MAR).

Worst Performer: Lumentum Holdings (LITE)

• Average April return: -7.5%
• Win rate: Only 20% (2 of 10 years positive)
• Current price: $688.80
• Projected decline: To approximately $637
• Recent high: $808 (March 25, all-time record)
• Technical signal: Double top pattern at $800 (bearish indicator)
• Analyst coverage: 16 of 21 analysts rate "buy" or "strong buy" (downgrade risk)
• Volatility score: 87/100 (tends to exceed expectations)

Sector Trends

Tech and telecommunication stocks populate the underperformer list, including Intel (INTC), Verizon Communications (VZ), and ON Semiconductor (ON).

Market Context

Analysis emphasizes quantitative approaches during uncertain market conditions as Q2 2026 approaches.