The S&P 500 starts today on a four-day losing streak ahead of an ECB rate decision and U.S. CPI. Analysts expect a 0.3% headline inflation rise. FedEx and Nike report later today.

Stocks are higher across the board after the November Consumer Price Index (CPI) report came in below expectations.

Robust earnings from chipmaker Micron and lighter-than-expected CPI data delivered a dose of optimism to the market after a four-session losing streak. FedEx, Nike report later.

Natural Gas futures (/NGF25) have pulled back after hitting a 3-year high on December 5th, at 5.496 as concerns of a colder than normal winter have subsided.

Understand how a recession is defined and how to avoid common investment mistakes during recession-driven stock market downturns.

Today's delayed November jobs report at 8:30 a.m. ET is likely to set the tone. Analysts see lethargic growth of 30,000. Tech shares, especially AI, lost more ground Monday.

As Congress wraps up for 2025, all eyes are on whether lawmakers will extend health-insurance subsidies—the issue at the heart of the 43-day government shutdown earlier this year.

Tomorrow's jobs report, Thursday's Nike results and Friday's BOJ decision are weekly highlights, but focus could stay on fast-retreating tech stocks and rising Treasury yields.

Investors are navigating not just uncertainty, but an unstable environment influenced by tariffs and inflation, among other factors. While volatility may increase, there is likely room for another solid year in 2026, especially for fixed income and international stocks.