U.S. stocks opened lower in a holiday-shortened week, with the S&P 500 dipping about 0.4%, the Dow down roughly 0.3%, and the Nasdaq retreating around 0.6% as of early trading.

Despite today’s softness, the S&P 500 is up more than 17% for 2025 and remains on pace for an eighth consecutive monthly gain.

November data show pending home sales rising about 3.3%, signaling improving housing activity, while regional foreclosure activity varied, underscoring housing market dynamics.

Beyond the price moves, macro and sector analyses cover retirement savings by age, 2026 mortgage-rate forecasts, and tax withholding guidance for the upcoming filing season.

The Fed had cut rates three times in 2025 amid stubborn inflation and a cooling job market, attempting to balance growth support with inflation control.

Macro outlook remains unchanged after the Fed trimmed rates to 3.50–3.75% and signaled continued Treasury purchases to maintain liquidity, with the coming week expected to be light on data due to holidays.

The market tone is mixed: equities are softer on the day, but energy stocks are among the leaders, with AI, inflation, and rate expectations continuing to shape sentiment.

DigitalBridge Group rose in premarket trading amid reports SoftBank is nearing a deal to acquire the company, signaling ongoing consolidation in tech and data-center sectors.

Markets are watching the seasonal Christmas rally pattern, noted as the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the next, historically associated with stronger starts to the year.

Energy stocks gained as oil prices rose, with WTI around $58 and Brent near $61, lifting names like Exxon Mobil and Diamondback Energy.

Oil prices rose on geopolitical tensions, contrasting with a downbeat broader market mood.

The euro weakened versus the dollar, trading near 1.17 as Germany supports U.S. efforts toward peace in Ukraine while urging Russia to end the war.