Stock Market Today: Russell 2000, Nasdaq Saddle Tech Pullback Ahead of Big Week of Data

Market Overview - The U.S. market is experiencing a decline, with nearly two-thirds of issues (63%, 3,498 issues) in decline, particularly affecting the Russell 2000, which is down by 0.61% [2] - Technology sectors, including software, hardware, and communication services, are notably underperforming, contributing to the overall market downturn [3][7] - Despite the declines, financials, consumer defense, and industrials are showing some resilience, although they are outnumbered by declining sectors [3] Housing Market - The NAHB Housing Market Index for December is reported at 39, marking the highest reading in eight months and a modest improvement from last month's 38 [4] - This index indicates four consecutive months of improving conditions in the housing market, driven by current and future sales conditions, each increasing by 1 point [5] - A significant factor in this improvement is the rise in sales incentives, with 67% of homes offering some form of incentive, the highest percentage since the onset of COVID-19 [5]