It’s that time of year again when even the most hard-nosed traders and analysts let their guard down a bit. You know, when holiday playlists start sneaking into the office speakers between earnings calls and market updates. There’s something oddly comforting about seeing the finance world embrace a little seasonal cheer amid all the charts and volatility.
I’ve always found it fascinating how people in high-pressure jobs like finance have their own quirky traditions around the holidays. Maybe it’s a way to balance out the intensity of the work year. Or perhaps it’s just human nature shining through. Whatever the reason, one annual ritual that catches my eye is the debate over the best Christmas songs—especially when it’s backed by actual data from industry insiders.
What Finance Pros Really Listen To Over the Holidays
Every December, there’s no shortage of opinions on what makes the perfect holiday soundtrack. But when you poll hundreds of professionals across global markets, you get a clearer picture of what’s actually topping the playlists in trading rooms and investment banks. A recent year-ahead survey dove back into this lighthearted topic after touching on it before, and the results are in for 2026.
Globally, one track held onto its crown from the previous year. It’s that infectious 80s hit that seems to divide opinions as much as it unites them during the festive season. Meanwhile, regional preferences tell a different story, with a certain diva’s powerhouse ballad dominating in several key areas.
The Global Winner and Why It Matters
At the worldwide level, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” came out on top once again. There’s something timeless about that song, isn’t there? It captures heartbreak wrapped in synth-pop cheer, which might resonate more than you’d think in a world of market ups and downs. In my experience, songs that mix emotion with catchy hooks tend to stick around longest on repeat playlists.
The survey compiler noted their personal favorites would lean toward a progression from upbeat pop to something more reflective. They mentioned Wham! as a starting point, moving through an Irish punk classic with fairy lights and regret, and ending on a beautifully melancholic river metaphor from a folk icon. It’s an interesting arc—from flashy fun to deeper introspection—that mirrors how many of us feel as the year winds down.
There’s a smooth progression from the tacky to the tasteful in holiday music choices.
That kind of personal touch makes these surveys feel more human. It’s not just cold data; it’s people sharing what gets them through the holiday rush.
Regional Breakdown: Where Mariah Reigns Supreme
Things get more interesting when you slice the data by region. In the US, Asia, and many other parts of the world, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” took the lead. That song has become a modern juggernaut, hasn’t it? Its energy and sheer joy make it perfect for end-of-year celebrations, especially in markets where optimism runs high.
It’s worth pondering why certain tracks dominate in specific areas. Cultural influences, radio play, or even streaming algorithms might play a role. Or maybe it’s simply about what evokes the strongest holiday memories for different generations of finance pros.
- US markets: Heavy preference for high-energy anthems that feel celebratory
- Asian respondents: Similar lean toward uplifting, glamorous holiday vibes
- Rest of world: Echoing the same powerhouse choice over more subdued options
- Global holdout: That enduring 80s classic refusing to give up the overall title
These splits highlight how even something as universal as Christmas music can reflect regional personalities in the financial world.
Beyond the Music: Year-End Reflections from Market Experts
These holiday surveys often go beyond just songs. The same report shared some personal recommendations for entertainment that helped get through the year. It’s refreshing to see industry veterans opening up about what they binge-watched or listened to outside trading hours.
Topping the TV list was a spy thriller series featuring a brilliantly grumpy boss—apparently the best show running right now. The compiler admitted to borrowing management tips from the character, minus the hygiene habits. That kind of self-deprecating humor makes you realize these are real people behind the market commentary.
Other standout series included gritty police dramas set in challenging environments, mob stories with big-name actors hamming accents for fun, and historical action about elite wartime units. There were also psychological thrillers, workplace comedies poking fun at Hollywood, and even some light escapism watched on the road.
- A slow-burning intelligence drama with sharp writing and zero filler
- Nordic-style cold case investigations led by a flawed genius
- Heartfelt policing in a divided region, maintaining quality across seasons
- Trashy but entertaining crime caper providing perfect light relief
- Dramatized real-life heroism from World War eras
- Luxury resort satire that’s equal parts funny and tense
- Rule-breaking detective work in Scottish settings
- Nostalgic newsroom drama weaving real 80s events
- Self-aware comedy about film industry chaos
- Intense psychological mystery carried by powerhouse acting
Looking at this list, a pattern emerges. Many favorites feature complicated protagonists navigating high-stakes worlds—much like finance itself. Perhaps that’s why they resonate so strongly with market professionals.
The Standout Film and Album Picks
For movies, one quirky British indie stood out as the year’s best. It’s about a faded musician playing a private gig on a remote island for an eccentric recluse. Described as life-affirming and odd in the best way, it sounds like the perfect antidote to a hectic trading year.
Musically, a dramatic orchestral pop release earned top honors. Confessional lyrics paired with sweeping melodies—sometimes holiday playlists need that kind of emotional depth to balance the cheer.
These choices remind us that even in data-driven fields, personal taste runs deep. What we consume for entertainment often reflects what we need most—escape, inspiration, or just a good laugh.
Connecting Holiday Traditions to Long-Term Thinking
While the song debate is fun, these year-end surveys often pair lighter topics with more substantial reading. This one pointed toward comprehensive guides on building wealth over decades—perfect timing as people make New Year’s resolutions.
There’s an interesting parallel here. Just as certain Christmas songs become perennial favorites through consistent quality, successful long-term investing rewards patience and sticking with proven approaches. Both require appreciating classics while staying open to new entries.
Putting long-term finances on solid footing should top everyone’s resolution list.
Whether you’re reviewing your holiday playlist or your portfolio, the end of year is prime time for reflection. What worked? What needs updating? What timeless elements deserve to stay?
Why These Surveys Capture Something Bigger
Beyond the specific results, these annual polls humanize an industry often seen as impersonal. They show that analysts and traders have the same arguments over music and movies as everyone else. In a year full of market twists, geopolitical shifts, and economic debates, these glimpses of normalcy feel grounding.
Personally, I’ve always appreciated how finance professionals embrace these traditions. It suggests a healthy balance—intense focus during work hours, but room for joy and reflection when the markets close. Maybe that’s part of what sustains people through decades-long careers.
Next time you’re curating your own holiday playlist, think about what it says regarding your year. Are you leaning toward nostalgic classics or fresh anthems? Upbeat celebration or thoughtful melancholy? The choices might reveal more than you expect.
As we head into another new year, surveys like these serve as gentle reminders. Markets will fluctuate, trends will shift, but some things—like debating Christmas songs—remain comfortingly constant. Here’s to finding your own perfect mix of tradition and novelty in the months ahead.
And who knows? Maybe next year’s results will flip everything upside down again. That’s part of the fun—much like watching markets themselves.
