A Trader’s Guide to Christmas: What You Can Expect this Year

Christmas is usually a quiet time for the global financial markets. It’s the one time of year traders get to actually kick back and completely disengage from the markets. Trading volume – the quantity of financial assets bought and sold during a given time period – is usually much lower in December when compared with the rest of the year. As one might expect, trading activity leading up to the big holiday is also pretty tame, picking up only slightly before the new-year.

If you’re new to trading or unsure about how to split your time this holiday season, continue reading to learn about what you can expect for Christmas 2015.

Friday, December 18

The trading days that usually see the lowest volume occur right around Christmas,[1] making the Friday before Christmas week arguably the last “regular” session of the year. December 18 could be a pretty big day in the financial markets, depending on where you are. The Bank of Japan will issue its last policy announcement of the year, and could be prepared to expand its massive stimulus program at that time. With the Japanese economy back in recession, the BOJ is under increasing pressure to act fast.

Separately, Canada will release official inflation data for November, which could impact the USDCAD exchange rate, as well as Canadian equities.

Monday, December 21

The BOJ will release its monthly economic survey and all industry activity index on the last Monday before Christmas.

Separately, the European Commission will release its advance consumer confidence index, measuring consumer optimism and willingness to spend this holiday season.

Tuesday, December 22

Economists at Markit Group will be busy at work just before Christmas, as they’re scheduled to release the last PMI reports of the year. December manufacturing PMIs for the Eurozone and US will be released on Tuesday, giving investors one last look at the state of global manufacturing.

Wednesday, Dec. 23

Trading volumes could be especially light on December 23, as Japanese markets close to commemorate the Emperor’s birthday.

In the United States, the monthly personal income and outlays report could create some movement on the financial markets. However, if you’re on the fence about trading on the day before Christmas Eve, one mid-level US economic report shouldn’t be enough to sway you.

Thursday, Dec. 24

The US stock market closes at 1 pm ET on Christmas Eve, making it one of the lowest trading days of the year.[2] If you’re planning on taking time off to spend with family, skip trading on Christmas Eve altogether.

Friday, Dec. 25

Christmas day. Markets closed. Open presents, drink eggnog and don’t think about trading until Monday.

Monday, Dec. 28 – Wednesday, Dec. 30

The days leading up to New Year holiday typically see some of the lowest trading volume of the year. In fact, trading volume in the days after Christmas averaged more than 3.81 billion in 2013, compared with more than 6.25 billion for the average non-holiday in December.[3]

Thursday, Dec. 31

Unlike Christmas Eve, the markets are open for their regular hours on New Year’s Eve. However, not much is happening. Like the previous days, trading activity will remain light. If you’re committed to trading that day, you might want to step out a little early to plan for your New Year’s party.

Friday, Jan. 1, 2016.

New Year day. Markets closed. Sleep in, recover from your hangover and don’t think about trading until Monday.

[1] Joseph Adinolfi (December 22, 2014). “Christmas, Thanksgiving bring lowest stock-trading volumes.” Market Watch.

[2] Joseph Adinolfi (December 22, 2014). “Christmas, Thanksgiving bring lowest stock-trading volumes.” Market Watch.

[3] Joseph Adinolfi (December 22, 2014). “Christmas, Thanksgiving bring lowest stock-trading volumes.” Market Watch.

The post A Trader’s Guide to Christmas: What You Can Expect this Year appeared first on Forex.Info.

Source:: A Trader’s Guide to Christmas: What You Can Expect this Year