'Twas the Friday before Christmas, I stared at my screen,
Markets shut at 1, only closing prices seen.
Why am I still here? I thought to myself,
It's time to make merry, like a jolly old elf!
I'm here because clients wait till the last second,
To get year-end stuff done, they need me, I reckon.
There's a knock on the door and who should appear,
A thoroughly soaked client, I'm out of the rain, dear.
I hung up her coat and gave her a seat,
Poured her a coffee and turned up the heat.
So what brings you out in weather like this?
The shops are all closed, it's almost Christmas.
The market, she said with a sad little smile,
I sat down in my chair; we might be here awhile.
So what's on your mind, oh client of mine?
You should be at home where it's warm, sipping wine.
I'll pour drinks if you like, I brought wine in my bag,
The market's upset me, but I don't want to nag.
The Nasdaq, the Dow are down on the year,
But in the long term, there's little to fear.
The dollar's been strong, for most of the year,
Foreigners like our markets, their money comes here.
But what about inflation, my bills I must pay?
Prices are rising a bit every day.
The Fed has raised rates, they are at four point five,
Stocks have held steady, not taken a dive.
The plan of the Fed is to slowly raise rates,
When the economy cools, prices will abate.
