Hashtag
Men's Weekly

Santa Claus rally 2024: key trends and tips by global broker Octa

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 December 2024 - As the year draws to a close, traders are turning their attention to the Santa Claus rally, a period known for delivering consistent market gains.

Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explores the rally's history, key factors, and strategies that enable traders to capitalise on this annual phenomenon.

Octa

Understanding the Santa Claus Rally
The Santa Claus rally refers to a pattern of rising stock prices during the final trading days of December and the first two days of January. Yale Hirsch, founder of the Stock Trader's Almanac, first identified this phenomenon in 1972. Historical analysis from 1950 to 2022 shows an 80% occurrence rate, with stock prices increasing in 58 out of the 72 years reviewed.
While the exact timing of the rally can vary, its strongest impact typically occurs in the last week of December. Some analysts suggest the trend may begin as early as Black Friday, while others link it to increased holiday shopping throughout December.

Reasons Behind the Santa Claus Rally
Several factors contribute to this seasonal trend:

  1. Consumer spending surge. The holiday season boosts retail activity significantly, with companies in essential goods and consumer sectors often seeing their stock values rise. This uptick in sales during Christmas and New Year directly impacts market optimism.
  2. Institutional quiet period. Towards the end of the year, many institutional investors take a step back from active trading, creating a less volatile environment dominated by retail traders. This shift often injects positivity into the markets, as retail investors tend to approach trading with more optimism.
  3. Seasonal bonuses and festive sentiment. Year-end bonuses provide traders with additional capital, often reinvested into the markets. Combined with the general cheer of the holiday season, this creates a buoyant atmosphere, driving demand for assets across various sectors.
Market Expectations for 2024
This year, expectations for a Santa Claus rally remain high. Bank of America analysts predict that the rally could kick off soon. Investor optimism following weaker-than-expected U.S. inflation data in November is driving the market. If inflation continues to decline and the Federal Reserve is willing to ease its monetary policy further, U.S. indices could reach new all-time highs, buoyed by steady economic performance and strong market sentiment.

Four tips for traders
  1. Focus on key sectors. Retail and consumer goods stocks often outperform during this period. Identifying high-performing companies in these sectors can align trading decisions with market trends.
  2. Study historical patterns. While no trend is guaranteed, analysing historical data can offer valuable insights into potential market movements. For instance, stock indices have historically gained 1–2.2% during the Santa Claus rally.
  3. Set clear goals. Establishing realistic profit targets and placing stop-loss orders can help traders protect their capital while participating in this seasonal trend.
  4. Practice risk management. The Santa Claus rally is largely sentiment-driven, making it less predictable than trends tied to economic fundamentals. External factors, such as geopolitical developments or unexpected economic data, can disrupt this pattern.
The Santa Claus rally offers traders an exciting opportunity to close the year on a high note. Understanding its underlying drivers and implementing disciplined strategies can help maximise the potential for success. However, caution remains essential, as past performance is no guarantee of future results. With careful planning and close market observation, this seasonal trend can serve as a valuable addition to a trader's toolkit.Hashtag: #octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the 'Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024' and the 'Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023' awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

Business News

Prudential and Prudence Foundation Provide Free Mental Health Support to Vulnerable Communities

In partnership with Intellect, the programme will be launched in Malaysia and Vietnam to make mental healthcare more accessible for vulnerable or at-risk groups HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswir...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Trend Micro Named a Leader in IDC MarketScape for CNAPP

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 July 2025 - Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced it has been named as a Leader in the IDC Marke...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Drug & Medical Device & Aesthetics, 肌顏態 was displayed at the CSD2025, The GeneQueens and 金因敷 launch was grandly held in Changsha

HONG KONG SAR - EQS Newswire - 2 July 2025 - On June 27, 2025, Uni-Bio Science Group Limited (the "Group")grandly held a new medical aesthetics product launch event in Changsha, releasing the high-end...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Amazon Singapore Unveils a Week of Prime Day Deals and a Special Public Maze Event for Prime Day 2025

Prime members can access exclusive deals from brands such as Neutrogena, FOREO, Resto, Cricut, Pigeon, PicassoTiles and Coca-Cola from 8 – 14 July. Free Public event: Amazon Prime Day Maze at Suntec...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Themed Forum of "Mountain Biodiversity and Our Life" to Kick off "Guizhou Example" Empowering Global Mountain Eco-treatment

GUIYANG, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 July 2025 - Recently, Eco Forum Global Guyang 2025 announced at a press briefing that the themed forum "Mountain Biodiversity and Our Life" will be held i...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Asia's First Porsche Design Tower Offers Revolutionary Luxury Living Experience to Bangkok's Vibrant Japanese Community

STUTTGART, GERMANY / TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 June 2025 - Porsche Design Tower Bangkok emerges as a defining statement of excellence in luxury automotive-inspired living. As Asia's...

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Health & Wellness

Telehealth Could be the Catalyst for Better Heart Health in Australia

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

Image by stockking on Freepik Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Australia despite decades of advancements in medicine and health education campaigns. More than 400 Australians ...

Disability Care in Melbourne: What Families Need to Know in 2025

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

If you’re supporting a loved one with a disability in Melbourne, you’ll know how important it is to find the right care—and how overwhelming it can be to navigate the system. With the National Disab...

Online Medical Certificate Services: Essential Features to Look Out For

Hashtag.net.au - avatar Hashtag.net.au

"Discover top online medical certificate services! Essential features to look for to get trusted and efficient results." Choosing high-quality services is essential for ensuring reliable, efficient, ...