It's not just here; everywhere has been declining for over a month since Mercury retrograde.This is turning out to be a rather bleak year-end. I had expected a Christmas rally, but despite the interest rate cuts, the market continued to decline even after the FOMC meeting, factoring in one or two more rate cuts next year. The selection of the FRB chair, which was rumored to take place around Christmas, has now been postponed until next year. At this rate, it seems unlikely there will be a rally; instead, we might see further declines.Last year, the market started rising from early December.It’s a rather frustrating year-end filled with restraint. Cryptocurrencies are down, but gold and silver are up, so at least that's something positive.