Stock indexes are up today, with the S&P 500 (+0.79%), Dow Jones (+0.59%), and Nasdaq 100 (+1.43%) all showing gains. Micron Technology leads chip stocks with a more than 14% surge after a positive forecast citing high demand and supply shortages driving prices up.

US weekly jobless claims fell as expected, and November consumer prices rose at their slowest pace in 4.5 years. Initial claims dropped to 224,000, while Nov CPI increased +2.7% y/y, below expectations. The Dec Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey unexpectedly declined, pointing to economic challenges.

The yield curve is steepening, impacting T-note prices. European bond yields are rising, with German bund yields hitting an 8-month high. The ECB kept rates unchanged, revising GDP forecasts upwards while maintaining inflation predictions. The BOE cut rates by -25 bp and expects further decreases in the future.

Stocks like Micron Technology, Sandisk, and Western Digital are up, driven by positive earnings reports. Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are also climbing, with Bitcoin up more than +2%. Lululemon Athletica, GE Vernova, and Cytokinetics see gains, while Insmed, Birkenstock, and FactSet Research Systems face losses.

Earnings reports for 12/18/2025 include Accenture PLC, CarMax Inc, Darden Restaurants Inc, FedEx Corp, and NIKE Inc. Author Rich Asplund holds no positions in mentioned securities. The views expressed are solely informational.

Read more at Nasdaq: Stocks Rebound on Strength in Chip Stocks and a Benign US CPI Report