Markets steady
US stock markets are heading into the final trading days of 2025 with steady momentum. Investors are watching closely as the S&P 500 approaches a key milestone. Overall market gains have been supported by several sectors, even as technology shares faced recent weakness.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 is around 1% below 7,000, a level that would mark a new record. If achieved, it would be the eighth consecutive month of gains, the longest streak since 2017–2018. So far this year, the index has risen nearly 18%, showing strong investor confidence.
Tech stocks
The Nasdaq Composite, which focuses on technology companies, has gained about 22% in 2025. However, tech stocks have been weaker in recent weeks. High spending on AI and concerns over stretched valuations have slowed the sector. Even after a small rebound, technology stocks remain over 3% lower than early November levels.
Other stocks
As tech stocks slowed, other areas of the market performed well. Financials, healthcare, transport, and small-cap stocks have recorded solid gains. Analysts say this is a positive sign because market gains are spreading across different sectors instead of relying on technology alone.
Holiday season
Stocks fell slightly on Friday as investors returned from the Christmas holiday. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq all dropped less than 0.1%. Trading was light because many institutional investors have paused activity for the year. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices continued to rise, US crude oil fell nearly 3%, and Treasury yields remained steady.
