Week In Perspective | Stocks Take Flight for Holiday Week [1-December-25]

Updated: 1-December-25

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks pushed higher over the holiday week as investors' hopes for a Fed rate adjustment drove bullish sentiment.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.73 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 4.91 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 3.18 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 3.15 percent.^1,2

AI Powered

A rebound rally began on Monday as the artificial intelligence (AI) business strategy of one of the largest megacap tech stocks reignited positive sentiment in the AI trade. The enthusiasm broadened out to a number of AI-related names, lifting the S&P 500 by 1.5 percent and the Nasdaq by 2.7 percent—its biggest one-day gain in more than six months.³

Stocks rose again on Tuesday and Wednesday—the third and fourth consecutive trading days of gains, respectively, for all three major averages.

Overall bullish holiday sentiment, positive news on a handful of AI-related megacap tech names, and continued investor optimism for the Fed to adjust rates at its next meeting powered the advances.

Markets continued their rise after the Thanksgiving holiday, with stocks rounding out the shortened trading session with a fifth consecutive day of gains.^4,5

Keeping Score on the Consumer

As we move full steam ahead into the holiday shopping season, investors are closely watching consumer data.

The fresh consumer spending data released last week was the first update. The delayed report showed the pace of retail sales in September cooled slightly over the prior month, just shy of expectations.

Next up was the Conference Board’s November survey, which showed that consumer confidence dropped to 88.7 from 99.5 in October.⁶

Investors may be anxiously awaiting the October retail sales report and closely monitoring other consumer data points for clues about the future direction of the economy.

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: PMI Manufacturing Index. ISM Manufacturing.
Tuesday: Auto Sales.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Import Prices (Sept.)* PMI Services Index. ISM Services.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit (Oct.)
Friday: Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index (Sept.)*
_{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; November 28, 2025

The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.}

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Tuesday: CrowdStrike (CRWD), Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL)
Wednesday: Salesforce Inc. (CRM), Snowflake Inc. (SNOW)
Thursday: The Kroger Co. (KR)
_{Source: Zacks, November 28, 2025

Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.}

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.