Stocks ended the final trading day of 2025 slightly lower. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted double-digit gains, with the Nasdaq leading at 20%. Tech and Consumer Discretionary stocks surged on AI optimism, with Alphabet and Nvidia topping the charts. Bitcoin hit a record high but later plummeted, while gold and silver soared.

Despite challenges like tariffs and geopolitical concerns, Wall Street thrived in 2025. AI-fueled valuations and tech optimism fueled market gains. Analysts predict a fourth year of stock rallies for 2026, with risks like AI slowdowns and economic surprises looming. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate path and a new chair are also key factors to watch.

As 2025 wraps up, mortgage rates hit a fresh low, offering optimism for buyers in the new year. Meanwhile, Bitcoin faces a yearly loss. Warren Buffett’s succession at Berkshire Hathaway and clean energy stock surges mark significant shifts. Oil prices decline, while the US dollar faces its worst year since 2017.

Sugar prices see their largest annual decline in years, while other commodities like cocoa, potatoes, and rice also drop. Livestock and coffee prices see gains. A recap of 2025 reveals major winners and losers in the market. The year was filled with ups and downs, from market rallies to economic challenges.

With numerous surprises and challenges, 2025 was a rollercoaster year for markets. Major indices posted significant gains, tech stocks soared, and cryptocurrencies experienced highs and lows. As the year ends, analysts predict continued market optimism in 2026, despite looming risks and uncertainties.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq post double-digit gains in 2025 as AI trade powers market once again