When it comes to spotting seasonal patterns in the stock market, the July to September quarter has a well-documented history of favoring specific sectors — and the Information Technology (IT) sector consistently tops the charts.
Historical Outperformance: The Numbers Speak
Based on 10-year and 15-year average quarterly data, the Nifty IT Index has emerged as a seasonal star, delivering:
- Average Return (10-Year): 9.1%
- Average Return (15-Year): 8.6%
In addition to the impressive numbers, the Nifty IT Index has closed positive 70% of the time in the past 10 years, and 73% of the time over 15 years during the July–September period. This makes IT a statistical outperformer when it comes to quarterly patterns.
How Other Sectors Stack Up: July–September Quarter Averages
Sector / Index | 10-Year Avg Return | 15-Year Avg Return |
Nifty IT | 9.1% | 8.6% |
Nifty Pharma | 6.2% | 7.0% |
Nifty FMCG | 4.2% | 5.5% |
Nifty Metal | 4.8% | 1.5% |
Nifty 50 | 4.0% | 3.5% |
Nifty Bank | 1.9% | 1.9% |
Nifty PSE | 2.5% | 0.4% |
Clearly, IT and Pharma dominate this quarter historically, while defensives like Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) and Banking underperform.
Why Does IT Outperform in July–September?
Here are a few plausible reasons for this seasonal outperformance:
1. Q1 Earnings Strength
The July–September quarter often follows Q1 earnings releases (April–June). For IT companies, this period tends to reflect post-earnings momentum and seasonal business traction, often making it a favorable window for stock performance.
2. Currency Tailwinds
A weakening rupee during monsoon season often acts as a natural tailwind for IT exporters. Many IT giants earn over 70% of their revenue from international clients.
3. Recession-Proof Nature
Global macro uncertainty often brings attention back to resilient businesses. Large-cap IT stocks, with their stable cash flows, are seen as defensive plays with growth upside.
Key IT Stocks to Watch (July–Sept 2025 Outlook)
Here are some IT names historically aligned with seasonal outperformance:
Stock | Why It Stands Out |
TCS | Strong global footprint, robust deal wins |
Infosys | Leader in digital transformation deals |
HCLTech | Margin-focused and large enterprise deals |
LTIMindtree | Fast-growing mid-cap with cloud focus |
Tech Mahindra | Telecom + AI tailwinds |
Persistent | Niche player in product engineering & cloud |
Note: Investors should combine seasonal strength with technical or fundamental confirmation before making decisions.
Investor Takeaway
As we enter the July–September quarter, the data-driven case for IT sector outperformance is compelling. Historical consistency, macro tailwinds, and robust business models make IT an attractive sector to watch — particularly when broader market volatility increases.
Action Points:
- Review IT sector allocations in your portfolio
- Consider timing entries in strong technical setups
- Watch out for Q1FY26 earnings (coming soon!)
Final Thoughts
While past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns, seasonality does offer an edge — especially when combined with sound strategy and market timing.
With IT leading the pack, followed by Pharma and FMCG, this could be the quarter to lean into growth defensives and position smartly for Q2FY26.
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