Stock Market News·2025-12-25 21:07Market Performance Leading into the Holiday - The S&P 500 advanced 0.3% (22.26 points) to close at 6,932.05, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.6% (288.75 points) to end at 48,731.16, and the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.2% (51.46 points) to reach 23,613.31 on December 24, 2025 [2] - The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 0.3% to 2,548.08, reflecting a year of significant growth with the S&P 500 up 17.8%, the Dow up 14.5%, and the Nasdaq up 22.3% for the year [2] - Positive market sentiment is largely driven by optimism surrounding advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and expectations regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy [2] Upcoming Market Events and Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.5%–3.75%, the lowest since 2022, amid signs of a cooling labor market [3] - Major Wall Street firms anticipate further easing in 2026, with forecasts of 50 to 75 basis points of additional rate cuts expected primarily in March and June [3] - Key economic data releases, including the December 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report on January 13, 2026, and updates on GDP growth, are anticipated to influence market sentiment and the Fed's future decisions [4] Major Stock News and Corporate Developments - Dynavax Technologies (DVAX) surged 38.2% following Sanofi's announcement to acquire the company for $2.2 billion [5] - Nike (NKE) shares gained 4.6% after Apple CEO Tim Cook purchased approximately $3 million worth of Nike shares [5] - Intel (INTC) shares dipped 0.5% due to reports that Nvidia ceased testing Intel's 18A chip manufacturing process, highlighting competition in the semiconductor industry [5] - Novo Nordisk (NVO) climbed 7.3% after receiving FDA approval for its GLP-1 pill for weight management [5] - Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) saw a 0.3% rise amid reports of new U.S. government battleship plans [5] - ServiceNow (NOW) shares fell 1.5% after announcing the acquisition of cybersecurity startup Armis for $7.75 billion [9] - ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) surged 5.8% as its board evaluates potential acquisitions, indicating possible expansion in the shipping sector [9]