Overview
- The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed slightly lower on Dec. 30 after Monday’s drop, but the S&P 500 remains up about 17% for the year and on track for an eighth straight monthly gain.
- Technology and AI-linked bellwethers stayed under pressure, with Nvidia and Apple slipping and Tesla lower, while Meta rose after saying it will acquire AI startup Manus.
- Minutes from the Fed’s Dec. 9–10 meeting confirmed a 25-basis-point cut and revealed divisions over risks to the outlook, reinforcing a careful approach to additional easing.
- Gold and silver rebounded sharply from Monday’s CME margin-driven selloff, with precious metals stabilizing in thin holiday trading.
- Energy stocks outperformed on firmer oil, and the 10-year Treasury yield hovered near 4.11% as U.S. markets prepared to close Thursday for New Year’s Day.