By Connor Smith Magnificent Seven stocks were dragging on the S&P 500 once again. With the market benchmark up just 0.3%, roughly 400 of its member stocks were trading higher. The Dow was up 334 points, or 0.8%. The Nasdaq Composite was mostly unchanged. By contrast, the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, or RSP, was up 0.8%. RSP shows what the S&P 500 would look like if every stock in the index had the same weighting, so it’s a proxy for market breadth.Gaming wish granted for Nanaimo teen living with muscular dystrophy
As the year draws to a close, Wall Street is embracing the holiday spirit with a stock market Santa rally that has seen substantial gains across major indexes. The S&P 500 increased by 1.1%, the Nasdaq Composite by 1.4% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.9%. These absolute gains are the beginning of the traditional stock market Santa rally, a five-day period of trading taking place around the end of December and the first two days of January. Investors are hopeful, encouraged even, by the exuberance of the tech world, particularly, by the top performer, Nvidia. With markets winding down for the Christmas break, the holiday rally has provided a welcome boost to portfolios, bringing stocks back on course toward record highs after a dip earlier this month. As New Year’s Eve draws near, the stock market Santa rally could set the stage for a very active 2025. Table of Contents What is Stock Market Santa Rally? Tech Stocks Lead the Charge Wall Street Reflects on the Fed’s Next Move Market Outlook for 2025 What is Stock Market Santa Rally? In the discussed context, “Stock Market Santa Rally” refers to the historical tendency of stock market gains occurring during the last days of December, between Christmas and New Year’s, that often spill over into the first few days of January. This period is often characterized by higher market optimism, which is influenced by factors such as increased investor confidence, year-end portfolio adjustments, and holiday-season spending. Much of the rally is usually facilitated by performing sectors such as technology; investors always bet on reaping last-minute gains that would propel this year before the calendar hits the New Year. Into 2024, that rally came with considerable leaps in leading major stock market indices driven by stocks including Nvidia-technology which added a fillip to investors’ morale going into the new year. Tech Stocks Lead the Charge The driving force behind the ongoing stock market rally has been tech, specifically, Nvidia platters. One of the industry’s most admired companies for its market position in AI chips, Nvidia has been a keystone in pushing this recent wave. The company’s stock gained by 3.5% in a day as a result of its exceptional 2024. Nvidia in particular has achieved strong year-to-date (180% growth, prompting many to question if this momentum can be maintained going into 2025. Among the other large tech companies, Tesla, Arm Holdings, and Broadcom have also been among the biggest gainers in the stock market rallying with significant gains. As these companies continue to perform well, they provide the foundation for broader market optimism. The Santa rally is a period where investors traditionally realign capital, often in directions related to sectors in growth orientation. Wall Street Reflects on the Fed’s Next Move Even with this momentum, there are shadows looming on the horizon. On Wall Street, the Federal Reserve’s next move on interest rates is anticipated wondering. Because inflation is still higher than the Fed’s 2% target, investors are “looking forward” to the Fed’s action in the economy in 2025. A lot of analysts are putting their money on steadiness at the first two meetings of the year, with cuts possible in May, if inflation trends continue in that direction. These issues do not, however, beget weakness in the stock market Santa rally, but instead set the stage for an investor’s expectation going into the new year. There is potential for additional savings in rate (if not action) in order to be a driver of further market increase, but inflation is a factor. If inflation is not easy to tame, the Fed’s actions between now and the coming months will have an important bearing on the timescale of the rally. Market Outlook for 2025 Moving forward, the Santa rally is also a reason to think it will still be a stellar year for equities in 2025. However, challenges remain. We also observed, not too long ago this year, that the pressure exerted by inflation and decisions of the Fed on interest rates could have a significant impact on stock market performance. Investors in particular will be highly sensitive to policy shifts and economic indicators leading up to the new year. Yet, some early potency of the rally, especially in technology, suggests that 2025 will also be on a fashionably late 2024 uptrend. Leading the way, industry giants Nvidia and Tesla are only just the tip of an incredible year’s market in fact. The stock market Santa rally has again become strong as a gift for investors during the Christmas season. With the technology sector continuing to be one of the pillars of the market rally and the market’s reawakening after a period of weakness, the landscape is open to a solid end to 2024. In the meantime, as Wall Street is revisiting 2025 inflation and interest rate assumptions, the continuation of the rally remains a major source of worry for investors. Under what conditions there shall be a multiple meltdown of Santa rally for New Year rally effect is dependent on responses of the market to macro-economic phenomena and Federal Reserve policy in the next few quarters. Also, see: IPO Allotment Status: Investors Await Five Big Allotments Today
NEW YORK , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on the Company's Class A and Common Stock for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. The dividend is payable on March 14, 2025 , to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 31, 2025 . About Scholastic For more than 100 years, Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children's books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children's media. As the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com . SCHL: Financial View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scholastic-corporation-announces-third-quarter-dividend-302329290.html SOURCE Scholastic CorporationThis image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. (FinaMill via AP) This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. (QelviQ via AP) This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax’s Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. (FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo via AP) This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. (FeatherSnap via AP) This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. (Nama via AP) This image provided by Pull Start Fire shows the matchless fire igniter in use. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling.(Pull Start Fire via AP) This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. (Uncommon Goods via AP) This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. (easyplant via AP) This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. (Ashley Cuoco via AP) This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. (FinaMill via AP) By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | US airports with worst weather delays during holiday season Things To Do | The right book can inspire the young readers in your life, from picture books to YA novels Things To Do | Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover, from bios and books to a status tote Things To Do | ‘Gladiator II’ review: Are you not moderately entertained? Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.
Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. There's a new burglary ring, and it's targeting NFL players . The homes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Joe Burrow have all been broken into recently, but it will be tough for anyone to get into Tua Tagovailoa's place. The Miami Dolphins quarterback said Wednesday he has "personal security" to keep him and his family safe. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins warms up before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field Nov. 28, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) Tagovailoa said he made the decision shortly after one of his cars was broken into. "It's a little too close for my comfort with my family being in the house. So, we got personal security to take care of all that. When we're on the road, we got someone with my wife. We got someone surveying that house," he said. He then gave a stern warning. "They are armed, so I hope if you decide to go to my house, you think twice." Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa aims a pass during the second half Dec. 8, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) JOE BURROW'S HOUSE BURGLARIZED WHILE PLAYING COWBOYS ON MONDAY NIGHT: REPORT Burrow's home was burglarized while he was in Dallas facing the Cowboys Monday. The NFL recently sent out a memo regarding the incidents. The league cautioned players to be on high alert after homes were hit last month that were believed to be tied to international organized crime. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported last month that the FBI is investigating the crime spree, "which is believed to be tied to a South American crime syndicate." According to the report, at least one other NFL player had his home burglarized. In the memo, the league also urged players to take precautions, including installing home security systems. They were also encouraged not to post images of expensive items or live updates of their comings and goings on social media. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leaves the field at the end of the first half against the Buffalo Bills Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The burglaries have happened during players' games. Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter ."Sole Focus Is On Family": PM Modi Jabs Congress After Maharashtra Win
Celebrating 49 Years of Innovation: TX RX Systems' Tower Top Amplifier Patent Revolutionized Global Communications
Jimmy Carter's love of tennis intersected with his presidency