![](https://9633b1.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/082812_1231_ChartoftheD1.png)
This is a chart of NYSE Total Volume with 1 week (red) and 1 month (blue) moving averages applied. There is a seasonal pattern to volume, volatility and trading activity, which all tend to decline into summertime, but recent levels are historically low. Note that the previous times the 1 week average has declined to current levels has been end of year holiday periods. In other words, if the market feels really dead right now, there’s a reason—it is.