After four straight losing sessions to finish 2025, the new year begins with major indexes rising thanks to strength in the AI sector. Next week features a host of U.S. jobs data.

After four straight losing sessions to finish 2025, the new year begins with major indexes rising thanks to strength in the AI sector. Next week features a host of U.S. jobs data.

Markets and investors wished 2025 farewell on Wednesday with most major indices dipping lower on the last trading day of the year. S&P 500 Futures (/ESH26) settled at 6892.5 on Wednesday down from its previous close of 6944.25.

The S&P 500 index is down three straight days but up 17% for the year. Jobless claims are the only data on tap but today is a full trading session before tomorrow's holiday.

In an otherwise slow holiday week, one highlight is Fed minutes due at
2 p.m. ET. Thin volume has made trends tough to track, and stocks fell Monday amid tech and metals weakness.

Fed minutes tomorrow highlight another holiday-shortened week where volume could be light. No major earnings or data are due, and trading is shortened Wednesday and shut Thursday.

Stocks were able to register a late-week recovery, largely supported by yesterday's inflation data, but it's unclear whether a year-end rally is in the cards for investors.

At the end of 2025, Liz Ann Sonders and Kathy Jones assess the resiliency of the economy.

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.