Stock Market Today: Futures Dip as “Santa Claus Rally” Nears Year-End Peak Amid Key Fed Outlook

U.S. stock markets are navigating a subdued but strategically important Monday, December 29, 2025, as investors look to close out a remarkably strong year and position themselves for 2026. While premarket activity shows a slight dip in major index futures, the overarching sentiment remains positive, buoyed by the ongoing "Santa Claus rally" and robust year-to-date gains across Wall Street benchmarks. The week ahead, though shortened by the New Year's holiday, holds crucial economic data and Federal Reserve ...