Submitted by Atlas Indicators Investment Advisors on December 31st, 2021
It’s the final day of the year and stock markets are open in the U.S. The New Year celebration has been truncated this go around due to an obscure rule officially known as Rule 7.2. As it turns out, the rule has two components, one which overrides the other this year. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the market will close on the preceding Friday (that would be today normally). But the second part of the rule states that it remains open if, “unusual business conditions exist, such as the ending of a monthly or yearly accounting period.” So, the market is open today.
But enough about today and how the rules are in control. Instead, let’s look at self-control and explore the world of resolutions. Failing to keep resolutions is pretty easy; eighty-eight percent of them fail according to these results of a 2007 survey conducted by British psychologist Richard Wiseman. His results show some interesting differences among the sexes. In short, men fared better when they used S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time based) goals. Women, on the other hand, experienced better results when they shared their intentions with others.
Achieving these goals requires willpower. Changing habits right after the holiday season (an indulgent period for many) might be one of the most challenging times for a behavioral about-face. If any of your resolutions are money-related, please reach out. Atlas has tools on hand to help you better understand your unique relationship with money and ways to set, monitor, and achieve your financial goals. May the New Year bless you with health, wealth, and happiness.
