Stocks delivered for investors last week as positive economic data and bullish holiday cheer powered the start of a “Santa Claus rally” past consumer bah humbug sentiment. The S&P 500 index rose 1.4% and hit fresh record highs this week amid a stronger-than-expected report on Q3 economic growth. The S&P 500 ended Friday's session at 6,929.94, just slightly below the record closing high it set on Wednesday at 6,932.05. The market benchmark reached a fresh intraday high on Friday at 6,945.77. The Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.22%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.20%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, moved ahead 1.16%.1,2 Santa's Sleigh DeliversThe moves came in a shortened trading week as US stock markets closed several hours early on Wednesday for Christmas Eve and were closed all day on Thursday for Christmas Day. With just three trading days remaining in the year, the S&P 500 is up 18% for 2025. GDP JumpsDelayed government data Tuesday showed the US economy grew at the fastest pace in two years in the third quarter amid robust consumer spending. Real gross domestic product rose at an annual rate of 4.3% in Q3, according to the initial estimate from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The consensus was for 3.3% growth in a survey compiled by Bloomberg. Still, a report from the Conference Board showed US consumer confidence fell for a fifth straight month in December as views on current business conditions turned negative for the first time since September 2024. The consumer confidence index dipped 3.8 points sequentially to 89.1 this month. The consensus was for a 91 print in a Bloomberg survey. Sector NotablesThe materials sector had the largest percentage increase this week, climbing 2.4%, followed by a 1.8% rise in technology and a 1.7% advance in financials. All of the S&P 500's sectors rose on a weekly basis except consumer staples, which edged down 0.1%. Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) was the best performer in the materials sector, jumping 7.9%. Wells Fargo raised its price target on the miner's stock to $55 per share from $47. Micron Technology (MU) had the largest weekly percentage gain in the technology sector, climbing 7.1% as positive momentum continued following the company's report last week of stronger-than-expected fiscal Q1 results. On the downside, shares of Brown-Forman (BF.A, BF.B) fell in the aftermath of Citigroup downgrading the stock last week to sell from neutral. The firm also cut its price target on the stock to $27 from $30. The company's Class B stock fell 8.1% on the week, marking the largest percentage drop in consumer staples. Economic data will be lighter than usual next week as US stock trading will be closed on Thursday for New Year's Day. Chart(s) of the Week:1. The Fed's Fight Against Inflation: It is pretty clear what story this chart tells...
2. "Silver and Gold" is a famous song from the classic 1964 Rankin/Bass TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, sung by Sam the Snowman (voiced by Burl Ives), where Yukon Cornelius searches for precious metals, but he's actually after peppermint. Gold, rather than Silver this year has been quite the story as you can see from the chart below, but both having an excellent year.
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Source: YCharts.com, December 27, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, December 19, to Friday, December 26. 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: Companies Reporting EarningsNo major companies are reporting earnings this week. We look forward to kicking off the Q4 2025 earnings season starting with the big banks in mid-January 2026. Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; December 26, 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. |
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"Humanity will ever seek but never attain perfection. Let us at least survive and go on trying." – Dora Russell |
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Should You Work with a Tax Preparer?Here are some tips from the IRS on how to choose a tax preparer who meets your needs:
Choosing a reputable and reliable tax preparer can help protect you and your tax return. 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.gov9 |
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Two Top Benefits of GarlicNot only is garlic delicious, but it also has many potential health benefits (and no, one of them isn’t warding off vampires). Here are just two of the top benefits of garlic: Immune Support One large, 12-week study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the number of colds by 63% compared to a placebo. The average length of cold symptoms was also reduced by 70%, from 5 days in the placebo group to just 1.5 days in the garlic group. Improved Cholesterol Tip adapted from Healthline10 |
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When I lose my jacket, I become larger and louder – but I also weigh a little less. What am I? Last Week's Riddle: It has a thumb and four fingers, but isn’t alive. What could it be? Answer: A glove. |
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Sea Cucumbers on Sea floor Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu, Pacific Islands |
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, December 26, 2025 11. MT Newswires, Ycharts.com, December 22 - 26, 2025 |
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