The Last “Lockout Rally” Cost Me Seven Figures

In the spring of 2025, I made a mistake I still think about.

President Trump had just announced sweeping tariffs on countries around the world.

Stocks were cratering. Every day seemed to bring another ugly headline. And I had no idea how far the sell-off could go.

So I panicked. I sold most of my positions.

At the time, it felt responsible. I figured I could always get back in once things settled down.

Then, on April 9, President Trump announced a 90-day pause on most of the tariffs.

The S&P 500 exploded 9.5% higher in a single day, its best day since 2008.

The Nasdaq did even better, jumping 12.2% in its biggest one-day gain since 2001.

And I was watching it happen from the sidelines.

That’s the “lockout rally” in action.

You think you’ll have time to buy once the danger passes. But sometimes the headline that finally makes you feel safe is the same one that sends stocks soaring without you.

I learned that lesson the expensive way in 2025.

By my estimate, getting scared out of the market cost me a seven-figure opportunity.

So when markets panicked again earlier this year after the U.S. launched attacks on Iran, I recognized the setup.

This time, I didn’t make the same mistake.

Instead of running for the exits, I looked for the stocks showing the most strength.

I found them in memory-chip companies, one of the hottest corners of the artificial intelligence (AI) trade.

Then, on April 7, President Trump announced he would suspend the attacks.

Over the next two months, the S&P 500 climbed 15%. The Nasdaq surged 26%. And the memory stocks I owned soared even higher.

In just a few weeks, I made over six figures.

I don’t share that to brag. I share it to show you the difference between getting scared out of a market… and recognizing the setup before the fear clears.

Because I think we’re setting up for another lockout rally right now.

The Pressure Is Mounting