Market Performance - The S&P 500 rose 0.88% to 6,834.50, the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.31% to 23,307.62, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.38% to 48,134.89, all influenced by volatile quad-witching flows [1] - AI-linked and broader tech names led market gains, with Oracle and Micron Technology boosting prices, while consumer stocks like Nike and Lamb Weston lagged due to disappointing earnings and guidance [2] Economic Indicators - Reports of cooling inflation and a softer labor market have strengthened expectations for a potential Federal Reserve rate cut early next year [4] - The University of Michigan revised its December consumer sentiment expectations downwards, citing high prices and weak hiring as contributing factors [5] Sector Challenges - Mixed results from Nike and Lamb Weston highlight ongoing challenges in consumer-facing sectors, with Nike beating analyst estimates but experiencing a stock decline due to concerns over profits and sales in China [5] - Apollo Global Management has warned of stagflation risks next year, particularly if AI does not meet expectations [4]

About this content About Oliver Haill Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup ...

Definition and Impact - Quadruple witching refers to a specific event in stock trading [1] - It significantly affects stock trading due to high trading volume [1] Timing and Strategies - The report highlights the importance of understanding when quadruple witching occurs [1] - It suggests strategies for managing portfolios during these high-volume days [1]