Stocks posted a slight gain last week as mixed jobs data triggered some selling pressure before a cooling inflation report helped stocks recover. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index inched ahead 0.10% while The market benchmark ended Friday's session at 6,834.50, down 0.2% for the month but up +16.63% for the year. The Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.48% closing Friday's session at 23,307.62 up +19.89% for the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.67% closing Friday's session at 48,134.89 up +14.46% for the year. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 0.21% up +30.22% for the year.1,2 Round Trip for StocksInvestors received a mixed bag of economic data this week, including reports that had been delayed by the government shutdown. Delayed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Tuesday showed total nonfarm payrolls in the US increased by 64,000 in November, higher than Wall Street's view for a 50,000 gain. However, it also showed the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.6% last month, the highest since September 2021, while a partial update for the previous month revealed payrolls fell by 105,000 in October due to a sharp decline in government jobs. US consumer prices rose less than expected on an annual basis in November, while core inflation decelerated to the lowest since early 2021, delayed government data showed Thursday. Consumer discretionary was the strongest sector in the S&P 500 this week, climbing 1%, followed by gains of 0.6% each in materials and health care. Technology and communication services also edged higher. Carnival (CCL) shares jumped 13%, the largest weekly percentage increase among consumer discretionary stocks. The cruise operator reported fiscal Q4 earnings that topped analysts' estimates and reinstated its quarterly dividend. Albemarle (ALB) topped the materials sector's gainers, climbing 9.9% amid a number of positive analyst actions. Morgan Stanley upgraded its investment rating on the stock to equalweight from underweight while boosting its price target to $147 per share from $58. Analysts at BMO Capital, RBC Capital, Citigroup, Mizuho, and Wells Fargo also increased their price targets on Albemarle's stock. In health care, Incyte (INCY) was among the top gainers, rising 7.6%. The company said the European Commission has approved Minjuvi in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after at least one prior therapy. On the downside, energy fell 2.9%, followed by a 1.4% loss in real estate and a 0.9% drop in consumer staples. Industrials, utilities, and financials also edged lower. The energy sector's drop came as crude oil prices fell. Marathon Petroleum (MPC) had the largest weekly percentage drop in the sector, falling 9.4%. The company said it hired Maria Khoury as chief financial officer, starting Jan. 19. Khoury, who is joining Marathon Petroleum from Danaher, will succeed John Quaid, who will remain at Marathon Petroleum for a transitional period. |
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Source: YCharts.com, December 20, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, December 15, to Friday, December 19. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points. |
This Week: Key Economic Data Tuesday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP)*, Q3. Durable Goods* (Oct). Consumer Confidence. New Home Sales, Sept.* Industrial Production, Oct.* Wednesday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Survey of Business Uncertainty. Thursday: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY—MARKETS CLOSED * indicates publication of a report delayed by the government shutdown in October and November Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; December 19, 2025. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision. This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsNo major companies are reporting earnings this week. Source: Zacks, December 19, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice. |
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"Our destiny is in our hands [...] So let’s build the future we all know is possible. Let’s prove to our children that they really can reach for their dreams." – Michelle Obama |
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What is the IRS Alternative Media Center?The IRS Alternative Media Center offers a variety of resources and accessibility services for visually impaired taxpayers. Using this platform, they provide tax-related content in several formats, including:
The IRS also offers enhanced accessibility services. Taxpayers can complete Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference, to choose how they would prefer to receive their tax notices (ex: in Braille, large print, audio, or electronic formats). They also have an accessibility helpline that can answer questions related to accessibility services. This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. Tip adapted from IRS.gov10 |
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Controlling Different Kinds of Light to Help You Sleep BetterControlling your environment, including your exposure to light, may help you sleep better at night. Increase your exposure to bright light during the day. Reduce blue light exposure at least an hour before bed. Tip adapted from WebMD11 |
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It has a thumb and four fingers, but isn’t alive. What could it be? Last Week's Riddle: It usually loses a head by noon, but that same head often returns by midnight. What is it? Answer: A pillow. |
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Le Cascate del Mulino, Tuscany, Italy Tuscany, Italy |
Footnotes and Sources1. WSJ.com, December 19, 2025 12. MT Newswires, YCharts.com, December 14-19, 2025 |
Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.
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