Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures steady as Wall Street flies high into Christmas holiday

Market Overview - US stock futures stabilized after the S&P 500 reached a record high, indicating a positive sentiment heading into the Christmas holiday [1] - Precious metals, particularly gold, surged to an all-time high above $4,500 per ounce, driven by rising tensions in Venezuela and expectations for further US rate cuts [2] - The S&P 500 closed above 6,900, marking a fourth consecutive day of gains, contributing to hopes for a "Santa Claus" rally [2] Economic Data - The US GDP growth for Q3 was reported at 4.3%, significantly exceeding forecasts, with strong consumer spending noted [3] - Despite the positive GDP data, economists caution that such growth may not persist into the fourth quarter, especially amid ongoing government shutdowns [4] - Consumer confidence has declined to its lowest level since the implementation of tariffs by President Trump, indicating a negative sentiment towards the economy [4] Federal Reserve Expectations - Following the GDP report, investor expectations for a January rate cut by the Federal Reserve have decreased, with only 13% anticipating such a move [5] - However, the majority of traders still foresee two rate cuts by the end of the next year, reflecting ongoing divisions within the central bank [5] - President Trump expressed his desire for the new Fed chair to lower rates even in a strong market, indicating potential future policy shifts [5][6] Company News - UiPath Inc. stock rose by 7% after the announcement of its inclusion in the S&P MidCap 400 index, highlighting positive market reception for the software company [6]