Stock Market Set for a Bold Finish: Is the Santa Rally About to Surge or Stall?

New York — U.S. stock futures showed a mixed response on Monday as the market prepared to close out an impressive 2025. Following a week where the S&P 500 reached a record high once again, traders pondered their next moves.

S&P 500 futures experienced a slight decline of 0.2%, while Nasdaq-100 futures dropped by 0.4%. In contrast, futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average remained virtually unchanged, hovering just above neutral territory.

In premarket trading, shares of Nvidia fell more than 1%. Similarly, stocks of Micron Technology and Oracle also witnessed declines. These shifts occurred after the S&P 500 hit an intraday peak of 6,945.77 on Friday before concluding the trading day just below that level.

This year has been exceptionally strong for Wall Street. The S&P 500 has surged by 17.7% throughout 2025, while the Dow has increased by 14.5%, marking its best performance since 2021. The Nasdaq Composite has been a standout performer, boasting a remarkable rise of 22.2%.

Currently, the market is experiencing the traditional holiday boost known as the Santa Claus rally. Historically, this period has proven advantageous for investors. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged gains exceeding 1% during the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the following year, according to market analysts.

Looking ahead, the economic calendar for the week appears light. However, investors are set to receive a critical update from the Federal Reserve, with the minutes from its December meeting scheduled for release on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET. This document is anticipated to provide insights into the central bank’s perspectives as it approaches 2026, a factor that could influence investor sentiment moving forward.

As the market navigates these developments, traders remain vigilant, balancing the promise of a strong year against any signs of potential volatility in the coming months.