Seasonal Retail Investing Risk Aversion

This study examines whether seasonal mood fluctuations that are driven by reduced daylight exposure in fall and winter months affect how retail investors respond to market risk. The study uses daily stock-level data from the Nasdaq Retail Trading Activity Tracker (RTAT) from 2016–2026. The study tests whether the relationship between market volatility (VIX) and retail investor sentiment (RTAT) differ during months associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The study uses a panel regressi