Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq gain today: The S&P 500 climbed on Monday, led by strong gains in technology stocks, as investors kicked off a holiday-shortened week. The broad-market index rose 0.6%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 238 points, or 0.5%. The Nasdaq Composite also gained 0.6%, fueled by optimism in artificial intelligence (AI)–linked companies.
Investors have been closely watching tech stocks for year-end momentum. Nvidia shares jumped more than 1% after reports that the company plans to start shipping its H200 AI chips to China by mid-February. Micron Technology and Oracle each rose around 2%, supporting gains in the broader market.
Last week saw mixed performance across major averages. Late-week rallies in tech lifted the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite to their third winning week in four, up 0.1% and 0.5% respectively. The Dow, which has outperformed throughout December, fell 0.7%, ending a three-week winning streak.
Market experts are cautious about whether tech stocks can sustain their leadership into year-end. Concerns about high valuations have prompted some investors to rotate into cheaper sectors. Analysts are also watching the potential for a Santa Claus rally, as the S&P 500 approaches the critical 7,000 level.
Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq rally over 0.5%
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 263.87 points (+0.55%) to 48,398.76. The S&P 500 added 41.15 points (+0.60%) to 6,875.65. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 126.15 points (+0.54%) to 23,433.77.
Top Gainers (Biggest % Increase Today)
- Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd. Class A (AZI) — +53.25%
- Creative Media & Community Trust Corporation (CMCT) — +32.60%
- D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) — +18.90%
- Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. Class A (CWAN) — +8.29%
- BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (BBAI) — +3.83%
- Opendoor Technologies Inc (OPEN) — +3.30%
- Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) — +2.88%
- Ondas Holdings, Inc. (ONDS) — +2.60%
- NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) — +1.24%
- Plug Power Inc. (PLUG) — 0.00% (flat)
Technology stocks tied to AI have emerged as key drivers for the broader market. Nvidia, a leading AI chipmaker, saw its shares rise after news of early shipments to China. Micron Technology and Oracle also advanced, reflecting investor interest in AI innovation. Analysts say these gains highlight the sector’s influence on market sentiment, particularly as traders look for high-growth opportunities heading into 2026.Investors are increasingly focusing on AI’s potential to reshape industries, from cloud computing to semiconductors. The sector’s rapid growth has drawn both institutional and retail investors, boosting trading volumes in tech-heavy indexes like the Nasdaq. Market watchers note that strong AI performance could help sustain overall market momentum during the year-end period.
Some analysts caution, however, that AI stocks may be prone to volatility. High valuations and aggressive growth expectations could lead to sharp swings if investor sentiment changes. Traders are balancing optimism with caution, monitoring earnings reports and regulatory developments closely as the year closes.
S&P 500 nears rare three-year 20% gain streak
The S&P 500 has jumped roughly 17% in 2025. This follows gains of more than 24% in 2023 and over 23% in 2024. A repeat performance could mark a rare three-year streak of 20% annual gains. Will McGough, deputy chief investment officer at Prime Capital Financial, said he remains “constructively optimistic” but expects market volatility. Potential catalysts for swings include a new Federal Reserve chair and the upcoming midterm elections.
Such a streak would be historically significant, underscoring strong investor confidence despite global economic uncertainties. Analysts highlight that sustained growth reflects robust corporate earnings, improving labor markets, and continued consumer spending. However, they warn that maintaining these gains may become challenging as valuations rise further.
Investors are also tracking technical levels, with the S&P 500 approaching the 7,000 mark. Market participants say breaking this level could trigger additional buying or profit-taking, adding to short-term volatility. Historical data shows that multi-year gains of this magnitude are rare, making cautious positioning essential.
Early NYSE closure for Christmas
The New York Stock Exchange will close early at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Christmas Eve. It will remain closed on Thursday for Christmas Day. Traders are factoring the shortened trading schedule into end-of-year positioning, adding to potential market movement this week.
Holiday-season trading typically sees lower volumes, which can amplify price swings. Analysts say the shortened schedule may lead to more pronounced movements in key indexes, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Investors often adjust strategies to account for these temporary liquidity constraints.
Market participants are also considering tax-loss selling and year-end portfolio rebalancing. These seasonal trends can influence individual stocks and broader market indexes. Traders and fund managers alike are positioning carefully to capitalize on opportunities while mitigating risk before the market closes for the holiday.
FAQs:
Q: What drove the S&P 500 gains at the start of the holiday-shortened week? A: The S&P 500 rose 0.6% Monday, led by technology and AI stocks. Nvidia shares gained over 1% after reports of H200 chip shipments to China. Micron Technology and Oracle each rose around 2%. Analysts say strong AI performance boosted overall market sentiment and year-end optimism.
Q: When will the New York Stock Exchange close for Christmas, and how could it affect trading?
A: The NYSE will close early at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 24, and remain closed on Thursday, December 25. Lower trading volumes during this holiday-shortened week may increase price swings. Investors are factoring in year-end portfolio adjustments and seasonal trading trends, which could impact market movement.