Stock Markets Observe Christmas Holiday After Record-Setting Christmas Eve Session

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets closed on December 25th, 2025, for the Christmas holiday, following a strong trading session on Christmas Eve where major indexes reached record highs [1] - The S&P 500 rose 0.3% to close at 6,932.05, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.6% to 48,731.16, both marking new all-time highs [2] - The Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.2% to 23,613.31, while the Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 0.3% to 2,548.08 [2] Sector Performance - Nearly all eleven S&P sectors closed higher on Christmas Eve, with the Financials Select Sector SPDR rising 0.9%, indicating strong performance in the financial sector [3] - The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR slipped 1.1%, contrasting with the overall market strength [3] - Year-to-date performance shows significant gains in technology, communications, industrials, financials, and healthcare sectors, driven by investor sentiment around artificial intelligence and the Federal Reserve's easing stance [3] Economic Indicators - The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported a third-quarter 2025 GDP growth rate of 4.3%, supported by increases in consumer spending, exports, and government spending [5] - The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rose to 2.8%, indicating persistent inflation, which presents a challenge for the Federal Reserve [5] Major Stock Developments - Nike shares jumped 4.6% after Apple CEO Tim Cook purchased nearly $3 million worth of Nike stock, providing a boost to the company [6] - Dynavax Technologies saw a significant surge in stock price following Sanofi's announcement to acquire the vaccine maker [6] - Nvidia's stock rose 3% on December 23rd but ended down 0.3% on December 24th due to conflicting news regarding its semiconductor production process [6] - Marvell Technology's stock rose 3.4%, and Novo Nordisk climbed 7.3% after FDA approval of its GLP-1 pill for obesity treatment [10] - ServiceNow shares fell 1.5% after announcing the acquisition of cybersecurity startup Armis for $7.75 billion [10]