Market Turns Higher: Will the December Rally Last?

The calendar flipped to December, and the market seemed determined to remind me that nothing is predictable. The second trading day of the month saw the major U.S. indices open higher, and for a brief moment, I felt that familiar mix of curiosity and caution. Will December follow its usual script—start low and finish strong? Or will this year break the pattern and keep everyone guessing?

S&P 500 (.SPX)

NASDAQ (.IXIC)

I’ve been thinking a lot about my own approach this month, and I realize that I have a few goals that go beyond chasing gains. First, I want to spend less time glued to stock prices. Watching every tick can be hypnotic, and even though I don’t obsess for hours, I’ve noticed it can be counterproductive. Adjusting trades every time a share wiggles isn’t just exhausting, it can hurt results. The more I step back, the more I trust the bigger picture, and the less likely I am to make impulsive moves.

Second, I’m reminding myself not to overthink. It’s all too easy to analyze a chart, a headline, or a market trend until the opportunity slips through my fingers. Overthinking can feel productive, but it often just delays action and introduces doubt where none is needed.

Finally, I’ve put a cap on the amount of money I’m willing to commit to stocks. Risk is part of the game, but so is prudence. By setting limits, I free myself from the stress of market swings and can treat trading as a challenge, not a burden.

So far, December feels like a quiet promise of potential rather than a call to arms. I’m not chasing every uptick or trying to predict the exact high of the month. I’m focusing on measured steps, mental clarity, and knowing that the market will do its thing whether I watch it or not.

I hope December turns out well for everyone—whether you’re riding the wave of gains, patiently holding your positions, or simply stepping back to breathe. For me, it’s about keeping perspective and letting the month unfold without forcing it. There’s a kind of calm in that approach, and I plan to enjoy it, even as the charts dance across the screen.