Stocks posted a slight gain last week as mixed jobs data triggered some selling pressure before a cooling inflation report helped stocks recover.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index inched ahead 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 0.48 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.67 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 0.21 percent.1,2
Round Trip for Stocks
A mixed jobs report on Tuesday created some concerns about the economy, leading the S&P 500 and Dow Industrials to modest declines. However, the tech-heavy Nasdaq posted a modest gain.3,4
Stocks continued their retreat on Wednesday with a handful of AI-related names leading the decline.5
Markets then staged a rebound as a fresh inflation report came in cooler than expected for November, raising investor hopes that interest rates may trend lower. The S&P 500 and Dow Industrials broke four-day losing streaks, while the Nasdaq rebounded 1.4 percent on Thursday alone.6
Megacap tech stocks rebounded on the last trading day of the week, lifting the broader market. Investors appeared to look past a disappointing report on consumer sentiment.7
Source: YCharts.com, December 20, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, December 15, to Friday, December 19. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
The Push & Pull of Jobs & Inflation
The Bureau of Labor Statistics combined its October and November employment data into one report. However, the October report only contained partial data due to the shutdown, while the November numbers reflected full data.
While November saw an unexpected increase (+64,000 versus economist expectations of +45,000), the October report showed employers cut 105,000 jobs. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.6 percent.8
The Consumer Price Index’s (CPI) 2.7 percent year-over-year pace for November was slower than the 3.1 percent economists expected, and slower than September’s 3.0 percent pace. Market gains were tempered, however, as economists cautioned that shutdown-related gaps may have influenced some of the data.9
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP)*, Q3. Durable Goods* (Oct). Consumer Confidence. New Home Sales, Sept.* Industrial Production, Oct.*
Wednesday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Survey of Business Uncertainty.
Thursday: CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY—MARKETS CLOSED
* indicates publication of a report delayed by the government shutdown in October and November
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; December 19, 2025. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
No major companies are reporting earnings this week.
Source: Zacks, December 19, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.
“Our destiny is in our hands […] So let’s build the future we all know is possible. Let’s prove to our children that they really can reach for their dreams.”
– Michelle Obama
What is the IRS Alternative Media Center?
The IRS Alternative Media Center offers a variety of resources and accessibility services for visually impaired taxpayers. Using this platform, they provide tax-related content in several formats, including:
- Text-only
- Braille-ready files (available in English and Spanish)
- Browser-friendly HTML
- Accessible PDF (available in English and Spanish)
- Large print PDF (available in a variety of languages)
The IRS also offers enhanced accessibility services. Taxpayers can complete Form 9000, Alternative Media Preference, to choose how they would prefer to receive their tax notices (ex: in Braille, large print, audio, or electronic formats). They also have an accessibility helpline that can answer questions related to accessibility services.
This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov10
Controlling Different Kinds of Light to Help You Sleep Better
Controlling your environment, including your exposure to light, may help you sleep better at night.
Increase your exposure to bright light during the day.
We know it’s beneficial to keep your room dark while you sleep, but it’s also helpful to get more bright light throughout the day! This contrast may help reset your circadian rhythm.
Reduce blue light exposure at least an hour before bed.
Blue light may make it difficult for our brains to relax and fall asleep. Because of this, some sleep experts recommend limiting blue light at least an hour before bedtime. You can also turn “night mode” on, giving your device screens a gentler yellowish hue than blue light.
Tip adapted from WebMD11
It has a thumb and four fingers, but isn’t alive. What could it be?
Last Week’s Riddle: It usually loses a head by noon, but that same head often returns by midnight. What is it?
Answer: A pillow.
Le Cascate del Mulino, Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, December 19, 2025
2. Investing.com, December 19, 2025
3. CNBC.com, December 16, 2025
4. WSJ.com, December 16, 2025
5. CNBC.com, December 17, 2025
6. WSJ.com, December 18, 2025
7. CNBC.com, December 19, 2025
8. WSJ.com, December 16, 2025
9. WSJ.com, December 18, 2025
10. IRS.gov, January 22, 2025
11. WebMD.com, June 16, 2025