I have only been around the HL scene for a few years, and was never really an avid market watcher, but I do believe that there is a Summer Doldrums period.

Tim has offered several plausible reasons for a winter acceleration and/or summer deceleration (I guess they are relative).

It might also have something to do with a large number of buyers concentrating on the new releases, trying to 'catch up' during the summer (the majority of new ones seem to come out in the 1st half of the year, but I haven't checked the data to back this up). If this is a factor at all, I suspect that it occurs in conjuction with one or more of the other causes mentioned by Tim already. I don't think this is *the* reason.

I'm not certain why one would focus on the new releases during summer if they are interested in obtaining secondary pieces as well. Perhaps it just because few are aware of the existance of any such market cycle. Perhaps it is just the thrill of buying 'the latest'. Your thoughts?

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-Art