Market Review: December 30, 2025

Closing Recap

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, major US indices experienced slight declines, with the DJ Industrials down by 94.87 points (0.20%) to close at 48,367, the S&P 500 down by 9.50 points (0.14%) at 6,896, the Nasdaq down by 55.27 points (0.24%) at 23,419, and the Russell 2000 down by 16.33 points (0.65%) at 2,503.

Market Sentiment

US equity futures were relatively flat overnight following a day of profit-taking. The Fear & Greed Index registered at 51/100, indicating a neutral sentiment, down from 57 (Greed) the previous week but significantly better than the extreme fear level of 21 recorded last month. By late morning, the Nasdaq managed to recover slightly, although market breadth favored decliners at a ratio of 10:9, with small caps underperforming.

Sector Performance

Among sectors, only Energy, Communications, Utilities, and Technology showed positive performance. Energy led with a gain of 0.48%, followed by Communications at 0.45% and Technology at 0.08%. Conversely, Financials, Consumer Staples, and Consumer Discretionary all declined by 0.24%.

Economic Data Highlights

• Redbook US Retail Sales increased by 7.6% year/year for the week ending December 27.
• S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index rose by 1.31% year/year, surpassing forecasts.
• Chicago PMI Index reported at 43.5, exceeding expectations.

Commodities Overview

February gold prices rose by $42.70/oz (0.98%) to settle at $4,386.30, indicating a return to an upward trend after a previous pullback. In contrast, February WTI crude oil fell by $0.13/bbl (-0.22%) to $57.95, influenced by fears of a supply glut despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Stock and Sector News

Autos

Waymo announced the commencement of autonomous testing in Las Vegas.

Retail and Consumer

Prenetics updated its capital allocation strategy, ceasing Bitcoin purchases to focus on its IM8 brand.

Energy

Duke Energy submitted a permit application for new nuclear development in North Carolina.

Biotech and Pharma

Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining royalty interest in Roche’s Evrysdi.

Semiconductors

Nvidia is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire AI startup AI21 Labs for up to $3 billion.

Conclusion

The market closed slightly lower amid mixed economic signals and sector performances. While some sectors showed resilience, overall market breadth favored decliners, reflecting cautious investor sentiment as the year comes to a close.