U.S. Stock Futures Dip on Year’s Final Day as “Santa Rally” Hopes Fade, Fed Outlook Divides Investors

The U.S. stock market is closing out 2025 on a cautious note, with futures for major indexes edging lower on Wednesday, December 31st, extending a three-session losing streak. Hopes for a traditional year-end "Santa Claus" rally appear to be fading, as investors grapple with mixed economic signals and a divided outlook from the Federal Reserve for the upcoming year. Despite the recent pullback, 2025 has been a remarkable year for equities, with the S&P 500 (SPX) poised for its third consecutive year of doub ...