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Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:
The U.S. stock market is trading cautiously mixed today as investors await the Federal Reserve decision and digest slightly higher Treasury yields, leaving futures and major indexes near flat to modestly lower.
Major Indices Performance 📊
S&P 500 futures are trading roughly flat to down small as investors weigh Fed signals and recent gains.
Dow futures are similarly little changed, reflecting a muted tone ahead of key economic and policy events.
Nasdaq futures show minor weakness as tech names remain sensitive to rate outlook and news flows.
Market Movers 🚀
Tech and AI-related names have been driving much of the action, with episodic big moves in individual chips and software stocks after company-specific news and deals.
Cryptocurrency-related and fintech stocks remain volatile, producing notable single-stock swings among names like Coinbase and Robinhood in recent sessions.
Earnings and guidance from select companies have produced outsized moves in sector leaders (examples include database and chip-related companies).
Key Events Driving the Market 🗞️
The Federal Reserve meeting and policy announcement this week are the primary catalysts for traders, with markets positioned for commentary and any guidance on rate cuts.
Treasury yields, especially the 10-year, have ticked higher in recent sessions and are influencing equity sentiment and relative valuations.
Upcoming U.S. jobs and labor-market reports are being watched for signs the Fed can pivot toward easing or must stay restrictive.
Investor Sentiment 👀
Overall investor mood is cautious and data-dependent, with subdued trading volumes as participants await the Fed and key economic releases; this has left indices near record territory but sensitive to yields and policy developments.
If specific index levels, intraday movers, or headlines for individual stocks are needed, specify which tickers or indexes to fetch and a live quote snapshot can be provided.
The Year-End Moves No One’s Watching
Markets don’t wait — and year-end waits even less.
In the final stretch, money rotates, funds window-dress, tax-loss selling meets bottom-fishing, and “Santa Rally” chatter turns into real tape. Most people notice after the move.
Elite Trade Club is your morning shortcut: a curated selection of the setups that still matter this year — the headlines that move stocks, catalysts on deck, and where smart money is positioning before New Year’s. One read. Five minutes. Actionable clarity.
If you want to start 2026 from a stronger spot, finish 2025 prepared. Join 200K+ traders who open our premarket briefing, place their plan, and let the open come to them.
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TRADE OF THE DAY:
EL
Name: The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc.
Symbol: EL
Current Price: ~$105.14
Trade
Sell to Open: 1 EL Dec 19, 2025 100/95 Put Vertical
Total Credit Received: $64.00
Credit per Contract: $64.00 (for one contract covering 100 shares)
Direction: Bullish
Probability of Profit (PoP): 80.63%
Potential ROI:
Max Risk (Loss): $436.00
ROI: ($64 ÷ $436) × 100 ≈ 14.7%
Trade Explained in Simple English:
You sold the 100 put and bought the 95 put, both expiring December 19, 2025, forming a bull put spread. You receive $64 upfront, and as long as EL stays above roughly $99.36, the spread expires worthless and you keep the credit. Your maximum loss is capped at $436 if EL falls below $95. This is a bullish position because it benefits if the stock remains above the short strike.
Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers
Cracker Barrel's shares declined after the restaurant chain reported disappointing comparable store sales and lowered its fiscal 2026 revenue and profitability outlook amid cost-cutting plans. Read more.
GE Vernova's shares surged following an upbeat financial outlook update, raised free cash flow expectations, a dividend increase to $0.50 per share, and an expanded $10 billion stock buyback program. Read more.
JPMorgan's stock sank due to a higher expense outlook for 2026 driven by new growth initiatives and inflation, potentially pressuring other banks to follow suit. Read more.
Berkshire Hathaway's Geico boss Todd Combs departed for a role at JPMorgan Chase ahead of Warren Buffett's retirement and Greg Abel's CEO transition. Read more.
Jamie Dimon assembled an adviser supergroup including Jeff Bezos and Condoleezza Rice to support JPMorgan's $1.5 trillion American Resiliency Pledge for defense and technology industries. Read more.
Disclaimer: The content provided by OptionPicks is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. We are not registered as a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial advisor with the SEC, FINRA, or any other regulatory authority. Options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no representation is being made that any subscriber will or is likely to achieve profits or incur losses similar to those mentioned. You should consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.
