Between Christmas and New Year, the financial markets often calm down. The headlines become quieter, volatility decreases, and many investors switch to review mode. At first glance, these phases seem pleasant—almost like a breather after an eventful year.But historically, it is not the noisy market phases that give rise to the biggest mistakes. It is the quiet ones.When Nothing Happens, the Wrong Thing Often HappensQuiet market phases are often equated with stability. Prices move only slightly, risks seem manageable, and uncertainty recedes into the background. However, this is precisely where a dangerous misconception begins: risk is confused with movement.In practice, many wrong decisions are made not out of panic, but out of a false sense of security. Positions are adjusted too late, risks are underestimated, or decisions are postponed altogether—on the assumption that “nothing will happen.”However, the markets themselves are by no means passive during these phases. Structures are built up, imbalances arise, and trends are prepared. When the movement finally becomes visible, many investors are already incorrectly positioned.The Greatest Risks Are Structural in Nature – Not EmotionalMarket phases with high volatility feel dangerous, but are often easy to grasp. The real risk lies in phases where the market structure is unclear, while the environment appears calm.Typical patterns of such phases are:Sideways movements after strong trendsLow volatility with high market breadthLack of clear direction, but increasing structural tensionsIn these moments, it is not speed that counts, but preparation. Those who have not defined scenarios react later – usually too late.Preparation Beats ReactionAt the turn of the year in particular, many market participants have a growing desire to “do better next year.” But without clear decision-making logic, this resolution rarely leads to better results.Structured market work does not mean being constantly active. It means being prepared:knowing what scenarios are possibledefining what constitutes confirmation and what constitutes a breakderiving decisions from structure rather than emotionThose who build structure during quiet market phases do not have to improvise during turbulent phases.The Transition to the New Year Is Not a Turning Point for the MarketThe change of calendar does not mark a new start on the stock markets. Market cycles, trends, and corrections continue independently of this. This is precisely why quiet phases around the turn of the year are often harbingers of larger movements.Not because the market suddenly “tips,” but because existing structures come to fruition.Those who understand these connections use quiet phases not for inactivity, but for preparation.Structure Instead of EmotionMany investors fail not because of a lack of information, but because of a lack of implementation:they know what is happening – but not what to do when the market tips.*** Disclaimer/Risk Disclosure: The articles provided here by Liberty Stock Markets GmbH are for informational purposes only and do not constitute recommendations to buy or sell. They are not to be understood, either explicitly or implicitly, as assurances of a particular price development of the financial instruments mentioned or as a call to action. The purchase of securities involves risks that may lead to the total loss of the capital invested. The information does not replace expert investment advice tailored to individual needs. No liability or guarantee is assumed, either expressly or implicitly, for the topicality, correctness, adequacy, or completeness of the information provided, nor for any financial losses incurred. These are expressly not financial analyses, but journalistic texts. Readers who make investment decisions or carry out transactions based on the information provided here do so entirely at their own risk. The employees of Liberty Stock Markets GmbH may hold securities of the companies/securities/shares discussed here at the time of publication, and therefore a conflict of interest may exist.