Stock indexes are slightly lower today as the market struggles for direction in thin year-end trading. Higher bond yields are negative for stocks. Tuesday marks the last trading day of the year for many equity markets. US economic news today was better than expected and supportive of stocks. Seasonal factors are bullish for stocks with the S&P 500 rising 75% of the time in the last two weeks of December.

Market attention this holiday-shortened week will focus on US economic news. The odds are at 16% for a -25 bp rate cut at the FOMC’s next meeting. Overseas stock markets are mixed today. Interest rates are down for March 10-year T-notes. European government bond yields are moving higher today. Spain’s CPI rose as expected. Swaps are discounting a 1% chance of a rate hike by the ECB.

Energy companies are climbing today as WTI crude oil adds to Monday’s gain. Citigroup is down after a loss on the sale of its business in Russia. Molina Healthcare is up to lead gainers in the S&P 500. Boeing is up after being awarded a US Air Force contract. Earnings reports for various companies are expected on 12/30/2025.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Stocks Slightly Lower in Thin Holiday Trade