Traders who didn’t see results in a market of rising stocks and yen depreciation should first review these things

As the year-end approaches, regardless of market conditions, a sense of restlessness pervades the entire world. Year-end parties, sales, New Year events, and other activities create more “movement” than usual. In such an atmosphere, trading decisions tend to become duller, too.

In trading as well, many may find themselves opening charts absentmindedly and thinking, “I want one more win this year” or “I want to end with at least a small profit.”

However, the market at this time is not something that can be controlled by sheer willpower or perseverance. First, I’d like to calmly sort out what the year-end and New Year market conditions look like.

? Characteristics of the market when overseas investors take a break

At year-end, especially around Christmas, many overseas investors go on vacation. Christmas holidays are common in Western markets, and institutional investors and funds reduce their trading significantly. As a result, trading volume shrinks and liquidity declines.

In such markets, orders that would normally be absorbed can move prices more dramatically, and even during London hours prices may suddenly stall, while New York hours become quiet, often resulting in a movement that shows only wicks without a clear direction.

Volatility may look high, but in reality its reproducibility is low, and it tends to become a market where you don’t know why prices moved. In such environments, even following a logical approach can lead to wide variations in results, making market-reading more difficult.

? End-of-year reversal plays and caution about high-priced products

Around year-end, the psychology of “I want to recover losses this year” or “I want to hit it big at the end” becomes more common. However, trading volume is small, andtrying to chase a reversal in a market with unstable price moves is, in a calm view, a high-risk action.

Similarly,this period makes high-priced investment products or information products that promise “you can win” or “recover in a short period” more noticeable.People’s wallets tend to loosen during this season, and you might impulsively purchase.

However, the year-end to New Year market is a special environment, and judging product quality solely by performance during that period is difficult.Rather than making hasty judgments, it is essential to pause and think calmly.

? Year-end and New Year are for “Review, Verification, and Preparation”

During this period, it is more constructive to spend time calmly reflecting on this year’s trading instead of forcing results in trades. Why did you lose? Why didn’t you achieve the desired results? 2025 was a year with relatively clear trends of rising stocks and yen depreciation, and many traders who rode that wave performed well.

If you still didn’t achieve the results, you need to examine whether you didn’t fully believe in the trend, whether your entries or exits were off, or whether position sizing and psychology were problematic. If you leave this unclear as the year ends, you’ll carry this year’s losses into next year.

If you want to win next year, it is essential to correct your gaps through verification and practice, not through sheer willpower. The year-end period can be rough for real trading, but it is an optimal time for preparation.

? Summary: Trading continues tomorrow as well

Year-end to New Year markets see overseas investors on holiday, trading volume shrinking, and price moves often becoming unstable. Forcing wins in this environment or trying to recover this year’s losses carries higher risk.

This year was one in which many traders achieved results under favorable conditions of a bull market and yen depreciation.If you still did not see results, you need to reassess the causes. Whether you end your losses as losses or turn them into lessons for next year depends on how you spend this year-end and New Year.

Before diving into high-priced “win” products, verify your own trading, practice, and organize what you were missing. Without that accumulation, even if market conditions change, your results won’t.

Trading continues as the year changes. The markets do not run away.To avoid carrying this year’s losses into next year, use this period to stay calm and focus on “preparation.” That may be a realistic first step toward winning next year.