Analysis produced by Interactive Investor and the UK Stock Market Almanac has identified a number of shares which have historically performed well between 1 May and 31 October; this analysis has formed the basis of the summer portfolios ‘Smoothie’ and ‘Sizzler’. The ‘Smoothie’ portfolio is a basket of five shares which have the most stable positive track record over the past decade; the ‘Sizzler’ portfolio collects five of the best performing stocks over the same period.

Contained in the ‘Smoothie’ summer portfolio are Dechra Pharmaceuticals, Diageo, National Grid, PZ Cussons and Shire.

Contained in the ‘Sizzler’ summer portfolio are Aveva Group, Entertainment One Group, Micro Focus International, BTG and PZ Cussons.

“In the last 10 years the FTSE 350 has returned an average of just 0.3 per cent per annum over the six months from May to October,” notes Rebecca O’Keeffe, head of investment at Interactive Investor. “However, identifying stocks which perform well during different times of the year and investing seasonally can deliver strong ouperformance. Investing in our Summer Portfolios means you may not have to ‘sell in May and go away’.”