Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq rise to usher in final trading week packed with data

Market Overview - US stock futures advanced as investors moved past a challenging week, anticipating key economic data to shape interest rate expectations for 2026 [1] - Contracts on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 gained 0.4%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average contracts also rose by 0.4% [1] Sector Rotation - Concerns over inflated AI expectations have led investors to shift from tech stocks to value stocks, impacting the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500, while the Dow remained relatively insulated due to fewer tech components [2] - Many strategists view this sector rotation positively, indicating a broadening support for stocks beyond just tech leadership [2] Economic Data and Federal Reserve Outlook - The final full week of trading for the year is marked by optimism for stocks, with expectations of monetary and fiscal stimulus from the reshaped Federal Reserve under President Trump's influence [3] - Key economic data releases this week include the November jobs report, an inflation reading, and an update on October retail sales, all critical for assessing the Fed's future rate decisions [4] Federal Reserve Leadership Changes - The future direction of the Federal Reserve is under scrutiny as Chair Jerome Powell's term ends in May, with Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh as potential successors [5] - Hassett indicated he would consider Trump's policy views if appointed, but emphasized that the Fed's rate decisions would remain independent [5]