In partnership with
Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:
The stock market is experiencing mixed trading on December 12, 2025, with major U.S. indexes showing varied performance amid ongoing concerns over tech valuations and AI investments. Futures indicate slight declines for the Nasdaq and S&P 500, while the Dow and small-cap stocks aim to extend recent record highs.
Major Indices Performance 📊
S&P 500 futures slipped about 0.2% after the index hit a record close at 6,901 on Thursday.
Dow Jones Industrial Average futures held steady, following a 1% gain to 48,401 on Thursday, a new high.
Nasdaq futures dropped around 0.6%, pressured by tech declines, with the index closing down 0.4% at 23,886 Thursday.
Market Movers 🚀
Broadcom shares fell over 5% in premarket after missing sales expectations.
AI stocks like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon saw premarket drops of 1-1.5% amid bubble worries.
Small-cap Russell 2000 remains strong, up nearly 14% for 2025 after recent records.
Key Events Driving the Market 🗞️
Tech sector faces headwinds from Oracle's weak outlook and $15 billion AI overspend signal, reigniting valuation fears.
Investors eye Federal Reserve dynamics post recent easing, with small caps benefiting from rate cut bets.
Broader sentiment mixes record highs in Dow/S&P with Nasdaq pullback on AI volatility.
Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.
TRADE OF THE DAY:
BABA
Name: Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR
Symbol: BABA
Current Price: Approximately $156.24
Trade
Sell to Open: 1 BABA Dec 19, 2025 150/145 Put Vertical
Total Credit Received: $52.00
Credit per Contract: $52.00
Direction: Bullish (expects BABA to stay above break-even)
Probability of Profit (PoP): 82.43%
Potential ROI:
Max Risk (Loss): $448.00
ROI: ($52.00 ÷ $448.00) × 100 ≈ 11.6%
Trade Explained in Simple English:
This trade sells the 150 put and buys the 145 put for December 19, 2025, forming a bull put spread. You receive $52 upfront, and you keep this full amount if BABA stays above about $149.80 at expiration. Your maximum loss is capped at $448 if the stock falls below 145. The trade is bullish because it profits if BABA simply stays above the break-even level.
Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers
Oracle's substantial AI investments sparked investor concerns after the company reported revenue below expectations and higher-than-anticipated capital expenditures, leading to a sharp decline in its shares. Read more.
Berkshire Hathaway announced leadership changes as Warren Buffett prepares to step down, including Geico CEO Todd Combs departing for a role at JPMorgan Chase. Read more.
A Dallas bankruptcy judge rejected Genesis's auction plan due to liability releases for bidder Joel Landau, who has ties to company insiders, ordering a redo. Read more.
OpenAI released an updated GPT-5.2 model focused on productivity tools amid intensifying competition from Google and Anthropic for knowledge workers. Read more.
Rivian expanded its hands-free driving capabilities in a push toward greater autonomy to challenge Tesla, though its shares dropped following the announcement. 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.
