Mon Dec 30 15:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Stock Markets End Quiet Post-Christmas Session with Mixed Results

**New York, NY** – The US stock market experienced a relatively quiet trading day following the Christmas holiday, with the S&P 500 ending essentially flat. While a better-than-expected Initial Jobless Claims report (219,000 vs. 224,000 expected) initially signaled a healthy job market, this positive news did little to spark significant upward momentum. Treasury yields retreated from earlier highs, offering some support to equities. The 2-year Treasury yield dipped towards 4.32%, and the 10-year yield settled around 4.57%.

Energy stocks underperformed, mirroring declines in oil and natural gas prices. The S&P 500 is attempting to regain the 6050 level; a successful breach could propel it towards resistance at 6090-6100. Support lies at 6030, a break below which could trigger a further drop towards the 50-day moving average of 6003.

The Nasdaq showed resilience, recovering from intraday lows due to continued demand for tech stocks, despite Microstrategy’s 4.3% drop linked to Bitcoin falling below $96,000. The Nasdaq aims to break above 21,900 to target 22,050-22,100; support rests at 21,600-21,650, with a potential further drop to 21,100-21,200 if breached.

The Dow Jones index tested resistance at 43,200-43,300, buoyed by increased interest in defensive stocks. A successful break above 43,300 could push it towards 43,900-44,000. Overall market momentum remains moderate, indicating potential for further movement given the right catalysts.

While the overall market displayed little volatility, sector-specific trends and individual stock performance demonstrated varied results. Further analysis of the underlying economic factors is needed to project the market’s near-future trajectory.

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