U.S. stock markets are heading toward a strong finish to 2025, with investors closely watching whether the benchmark S&P 500 can cross the historic 7,000 level in the final trading sessions of the year.
The index is currently less than one per cent away from the milestone and could reach the mark as early as Monday, December 29, amid expectations of a year-end rally. If achieved, it would cap a robust year for U.S. equities driven largely by gains in technology and select cyclical sectors.
Despite bouts of volatility earlier in December—triggered by concerns over heavy spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure—the S&P 500 has remained resilient. The index is on track to record its eighth consecutive month of gains, its longest monthly winning streak since 2017–2018. With only a few trading days left in 2025, the S&P 500 is up nearly 18 per cent for the year.
The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite has outperformed broader markets, gaining around 22 per cent so far this year. However, the tech sector has faced recent pressure, declining more than three per cent since early November, even after a modest rebound this week.
As technology stocks cooled, other sectors stepped in to support the rally. Financials, transportation stocks, healthcare, and small-cap shares have posted steady gains, reflecting broader market participation beyond big tech.
Market activity was subdued on Friday as investors returned from the Christmas holiday. Major indices, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq closed marginally lower, each slipping less than 0.1 per cent. Trading volumes remained light, with many institutional investors already winding down for the year.
Outside equities, precious metals continued to rise, with silver gaining nearly eight per cent amid supply concerns. Gold prices also edged higher. In commodities, U.S. crude oil prices fell nearly three per cent, while U.S. Treasury yields remained largely unchanged.
With global markets operating on limited schedules and only a few sessions remaining in 2025, investors are closely watching whether Wall Street can sustain momentum and close the year near record highs.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
