There are always exceptions to the rule. Like last year. The seasonal trend charts in a multitude of time frames are reality whether anyone wants to dispute them or not. All the b.s. in the world can't change what has happened over the different time frames that match up and determine the 'consistent' trends. It just is what it is. The exception to the rule of last year is what you have referred to not the typical trend in all time frames. And the trend is your friend.