Stock indexes are down today, with S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 all in the red. Mining stocks are sliding, gold prices at a 2.5-week low, and silver plunging over -7%. Bond yields are up after jobless claims hit a 1-month low, impacting Fed policy.

US weekly initial unemployment claims drop unexpectedly to a 1-month low of 199,000, indicating a strong labor market. Chinese economic news is positive, with manufacturing PMI rising to 50.1, non-manufacturing PMI at 50.2, showing growth. Seasonal data suggests a historical upward trend for stocks in December.

US economic news will be in focus this week, with the S&P manufacturing PMI expected to remain at 51.8. Markets are pricing in a low chance of a rate cut at the next FOMC meeting. Overseas markets are mixed, with Europe and China down slightly, while Japan is closed for a holiday.

Chip makers and mining companies are under pressure today, with stocks like MU, KLAC, and NEM declining. Corcept Therapeutics faces a significant drop after FDA rejection. Vanda Pharmaceuticals and Terawulf Inc see gains. Nike and Nvidia show positive movement on insider buying and increased demand.

Earnings reports for CoastalSouth Bancshares Inc (COSO), Golden Matrix Group Inc (GMGI), and Immersion Corp (IMMR) are set for 12/31/2025. Market activity is subdued due to holidays in Germany and Japan. Strong Chinese economic data and lower bond yields impact global markets.

Read more at Nasdaq: Stocks Decline as Chip Makers and Data Storage Companies Fall