Market Summary - December 30, 2025
Early Look
U.S. stock index futures showed stability on December 30, 2025, following a significant decline in the previous trading session. The three main indexes experienced their steepest one-day drop in nearly two weeks, primarily driven by renewed selling pressure in technology stocks. The S&P 500 index approached the 7,000-point mark, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average had recently closed at a record high. Investors are optimistic about a potential "Santa Claus" rally, a phenomenon where the S&P 500 typically sees gains during the last five trading days of the year and the first two of January, as noted by the Stock Trader’s Almanac.
December has been a strong month for the markets, with both the S&P 500 and the Dow on track for their eighth consecutive month of gains, marking the longest winning streak since 2017. However, Monday saw a decline in both stocks and precious metals, with silver prices dropping over 8% after reaching record highs above $83 an ounce, and gold falling more than 4%. The focus on metals is heightened as China prepares to implement export controls on silver starting January 1, requiring government licenses for outbound shipments.
Market Performance
Futures Overview
- Dow: +10.00 points (0.02%) - Last: 48,759
- S&P 500: -1.25 points (0.02%) - Last: 6,953
- Nasdaq: -5.50 points (0.02%) - Last: 25,734
Market Closing Prices from Previous Day
- S&P 500 Index: -24.20 points (0.35%) - 6,905.74
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: -249.04 points (0.51%) - 48,461.93
- Nasdaq Composite: -118.75 points (0.50%) - 23,474.35
- Russell 2000 Index: -14.55 points (0.57%) - 2,519.80
Economic Calendar for Today
- 7:45 AM ET: ICSC Weekly Retail Sales
- 8:55 AM ET: Johnson/Redbook Weekly Sales
- 9:00 AM ET: Monthly Home Prices M/M for October
- 9:00 AM ET: Case-Shiller 20-city Index M/M for October
- 10:30 AM ET: Dallas Fed Service for December
- 2:00 PM ET: FOMC Minutes released from prior meeting
- 4:30 PM ET: API Weekly Inventory Data
World News
U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential military action against Iran if the country resumes its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs. He also issued a warning to Hamas regarding disarmament.
Sector News Breakdown
Consumer
Tesla (TSLA) reported that analyst estimates for vehicle deliveries in Q4 are lower than previously expected, with a projected delivery of 422,850 cars, a 15% decrease from the previous year. In related news, shares of South Korean battery material supplier L&F fell over 9% following a significant reduction in a supply agreement with Tesla.
Energy, Industrials, and Materials
T1 Energy (TE) announced the completion of a $160 million sale of production tax credits. Oil prices are rising as traders assess geopolitical tensions in regions like Russia, Venezuela, and Iran against concerns of an oversupply. Venezuela has begun shutting down oil wells due to U.S. sanctions.
Financials
Citigroup (C) anticipates a $1.1 billion after-tax loss from the sale of its remaining Russian business. The upcoming release of the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes is expected to provide insights into the recent rate cuts and the differing opinions among policymakers.
Healthcare
Royalty Pharma plc (RPRX) has acquired the remaining royalty on Roche’s Evrysdi for $240 million upfront, with additional sales-based milestones. Verastem (VSTM) has halted a trial for its experimental lung cancer drug after reviewing interim data.
Technology, Media & Telecom
Applied Digital (APLD) is planning to spin out its Cloud Computing business, while Meta (META) is set to acquire the AI startup Manus, valued between $2 billion and $3 billion. Additionally, China is mandating that chipmakers use at least 50% domestically produced equipment for new capacity.