The U.S. stock market is poised to end the holiday-shortened week on a positive note. All three major indexes have climbed this week, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq emerging as the biggest winner, gaining 2.3%. The S&P 500 has risen 1.8%, while the Dow Jones has ticked 1.1% higher.
Hedge funds/large speculators remained net short S&P 500 futures right before Christmas pic.twitter.com/j1Dk5S93fh
— Liz Ann Sonders (@LizAnnSonders) January 2, 2025
Per the @WSJ, US “stocks on pace for best two years in a quarter of a century.”#markets #stocks #investors #investing pic.twitter.com/UBWG8wlDl5
— Mohamed A. El-Erian (@elerianm) December 31, 2024
In corporate news, Nippon Steel has extended the deadline for its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel to the first quarter of 2025. President Joe Biden is expected to decide whether to allow the deal to proceed within the next 15 days, amid concerns raised by the United Steelworkers union and some politicians regarding foreign ownership of U.S. Steel. Holiday shopping could have long-term financial consequences for many consumers.
Will stock market witness FII outflow of Rs 3 lakh cr again in 2025? Nikunj Dalmia DECODES@nikunjdalmia https://t.co/yYi2xHNvVN
— ET NOW (@ETNOWlive) January 2, 2025
A LendingTree survey found that 36% of Americans incurred holiday debt this season, with the average balance being $1,181, up from $1,028 in 2023.
Stock market trends up for week
Experts suggest starting early to pay down the balance and renegotiating interest rates as strategies to chip away at holiday debt.
The airline industry had an eventful year, beginning with a door panel blowing off a Boeing airplane.
Stocks To Watch | 📊Ready, set, trade! Keep an eye on these stocks as they set the market abuzz #StockMarket pic.twitter.com/jaz7Fb0EtT
— ET NOW (@ETNOWlive) January 2, 2025
The Spirit-Airlines merger was blocked, Spirit filed for bankruptcy protection, and a tech meltdown led to days of travel disruptions. Airlines also competed fiercely to be perceived as the most premium carriers throughout the tumultuous year.
Ad executives are gearing up for a busy year in 2025, especially in companies with coveted live sports rights. The worldwide advertising industry is expected to grow by 7.7% and surpass $1 trillion in revenue for the first time, excluding U.S. political ads, according to a report from GroupM, WPP’s media investment group. However, advertisers are expected to be selective with their budgets, prioritizing live events like sports and award shows.
