Market Overview - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) experienced three consecutive losses due to a mix of Big Tech volatility and economic data, with Oracle's AI-triggered drawdown and Micron Technology's earnings impacting the market [1] - Despite the losses, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and SPX managed to achieve weekly gains [1] Upcoming Economic Reports - A few delayed economic reports, including third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data, are expected to be released next week [2] - Historical data suggests that the Friday after Christmas often yields positive returns, indicating a potentially impressive week ahead [2] Historical Performance Data - Since 1950, the SPX has averaged a weekly return of 0.55% during Christmas week, with positive returns occurring almost 70% of the time [3][4] - This year, Christmas falls on a Thursday, a scenario that has occurred only nine times since 1950, with the following Friday averaging a return rate of 0.46% [3][5] Underperforming Stocks - CME Group (CME) is identified as the worst performer during Christmas week, failing to beat SPX returns for at least a decade, with an average return of -0.99% [7][8] - Old Dominion (ODFL) is the only other stock that has not succeeded in beating the SPX during Christmas week in the last 10 years [7] CME Group Analysis - CME Group's stock has struggled, showing a 16% increase in 2025 but a 4% decline in December [8] - The stock has not maintained breakouts above $280, and the 10-week moving average is adding pressure [8] - There is potential for downgrades as eight brokerages currently have a "buy" or better rating, which could lead to further headwinds if bullish sentiment declines [9] Options Trading Strategy - Current options trading conditions for CME Group may present an opportunity, as its Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 18% is higher than just 14% of readings from the last year [10] - The Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) indicates that CME has consistently realized lower volatility than its options have priced in, suggesting a premium-selling strategy could be advantageous for options traders [10]