Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:
The stock market is ending 2025 on a subdued note with major U.S. indexes slipping modestly amid thin holiday trading volume on this final session of the year. Futures point to slight declines, capping off a strong annual performance despite recent post-Christmas pullbacks. Jobless claims data released today showed improvement, falling to 199,000 for the Christmas week.
Major Indices 📊
Dow Jones Industrial Average futures down 0.15%, with the index up about 12-14% year-to-date.
S&P 500 futures off 0.21%, on track for roughly 17-18% gains in 2025.
Nasdaq futures down 0.28%, after a 21-26% yearly advance led by tech.
Market Movers 🚀
Notable recent gainers include Robinhood Markets, AppLovin, and Carvana, boosted by S&P 500 inclusions.
Silver prices continue volatile swings, sliding after recent surges.
Broader movers reflect profit-taking, with no standout daily leaders highlighted amid low volume.
Key Events 🗞️
U.S. initial jobless claims dropped 16,000 to 199,000 for the week ended Dec. 27, beating expectations and signaling labor market resilience. Markets eye year-end positioning after three straight down sessions post-Christmas. Overall, indexes hover near record highs despite the quiet close to a record-setting year.
Investor Sentiment 👀
Traders remain cautious in thin volume, balancing robust 2025 gains against holiday volatility and year-end adjustments. Optimism persists from strong yearly returns, tempered by recent dips and focus on 2026 outlook.
Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers
Hyatt Hotels completed the $2 billion sale of 14 Playa resorts to Tortuga Resorts, securing long-term management agreements for its Inclusive Collection portfolio. Read more.
Wall Street dealmakers closed 2025 with a record 68 mega-deals over $10 billion, positioning the industry for another year of blockbuster mergers and acquisitions. Read more.
M&A volume reached $4.5 trillion in 2025, up 50% from last year, led by Netflix's $72 billion bid for Warner Bros. Discovery assets in heated competition. Read more.
Electronic Arts shareholders greenlit a $55 billion privatization by Saudi PIF, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, marking a massive gaming sector exit. Read more.
US equity investor sentiment climbed to a one-year high in early December, fueled by expectations of supportive fiscal policy and monetary easing ahead. Read more.
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