I am out the end of Dec & Aug

traded - though on sim on 10th december not majorly diferent to any other day so far -(fgbl),
i will let you know how this week pans out as an experimment though in my opinion i think
it should be ok up until friday 17th - 20th december or thereabouts

13 dec - fgbl enough liquidity to trade and wide range day

dec 14th fgbl - difficult choppy trading condition

Today, I didn't like the markets anymore, I'll guess they'll come back in Jan.

On the original question: Yes, large players are absent near the end of december but there are still opportunities. I have done very well in dec the past 2 years (and hope to keep it going this year!). And if I was to have a down month, I wouldn't blame it on the holidays. Breakouts and breakdowns are usually less likely during this period, but if you're aware of it, that may be an opportunity.

I still trade, but I cut my contract size down and I cut my profit targets in half. I also use a smaller time frame chart to trade to compensate for the lower volume. Definitely not as many opportunities, but they are still there if you want to trade.

today dec 15th - pretty much a normal trading day
no abnormal behaviour

FGBL 3-11, normal trading conditions today 16/12/10

tradable day on lighter volume but sufficient liquidity - fgbl - 17th dec