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Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:
U.S. stock markets are closed today, December 25, 2025, in observance of Christmas Day, resulting in no trading activity across major exchanges. Global markets are mostly quiet or closed as well, with thin holiday volumes leading up to the holiday. Investors remain focused on recent trends like AI sector volatility and Federal Reserve signals from prior sessions.
Recent Performance
The S&P 500 closed at a record high of 6,909.79 on December 23, up 0.5% for the day and 17.5% year-to-date, driven by tech gains despite broader concerns. The Dow Jones rose 0.2% to 48,442.41, while the Nasdaq gained 0.6% to 23,561.84 on December 23. Markets showed resilience earlier in the week amid AI spending jitters and rate uncertainty.
Key Influences
AI-related stocks faced pressure from worries over high valuations and slowing growth, with recent sessions testing the year-end rally narrative. Federal Reserve signals and delayed economic data like jobs reports added to caution, though strong year-to-date gains persist. Nvidia's prior earnings beat highlighted ongoing AI momentum but also potential swings ahead.
Outlook
Trading resumes December 26 with attention on post-holiday positioning, potential rate resets, and AI profitability updates. Sentiment stays cautious amid holiday lulls, but records from late last week signal underlying strength. Year-end forecasts lean toward modest gains if data clears uncertainty.
Investor Sentiment
Sentiment leans cautious amid holiday closures, with investors in a wait-and-see mode ahead of post-Christmas reopenings and fresh data. Bullish undertones persist from year-end records and AI momentum, but jitters over Fed paths and tech profitability temper enthusiasm. Global traders eye Asian rebounds for cues, maintaining a balanced yet guarded outlook
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Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers
Sanofi announced its acquisition of Dynavax Technologies for $2.2 billion to bolster its vaccine portfolio with hepatitis B and shingles treatments. Read more.
BP plans to sell a majority stake in Castrol for $6 billion as part of its strategic asset optimization efforts. Read more.
Motive, backed by Alphabet, filed confidentially for an IPO to go public with its AI-powered fleet management platform. Read more.
Global Payments struck a $24 billion deal to acquire Worldpay, creating a payments giant in one of 2025's biggest fintech mergers. Read more.
Secure Trust Bank agreed to divest its motor finance unit for $619 million amid rising M&A activity in UK financial services. Read more.
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