Fri Dec 26 12:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the text:
Summary:
US stock futures were relatively flat in light post-Christmas trading, while precious metals surged to record highs amid geopolitical tensions and a weak dollar. Stocks continue a five-day win streak, continuing the “Santa Claus rally” and remaining on track for solid weekly gains, capping off a strong year. Oil prices also rose, driven by geopolitical factors.
News Article:
Stocks Steady After Christmas Rally, Precious Metals Soar to New Highs
NEW YORK, NY – US stock futures showed little movement overnight as traders returned from the Christmas holiday for a shortened trading session, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq hovering near the flatline. This comes after a strong performance leading up to the holiday, with both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching record highs on Christmas Eve.
The market’s recent gains have put the major indexes on track for solid weekly gains, continuing the “Santa Claus rally” – the period encompassing the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the new year. The S&P 500 is up approximately 18% this year, potentially marking its sixth year of 15%-plus gains in the last seven. Despite a brief bear market earlier in the year, the Nasdaq Composite has risen over 20% in 2025.
However, the big story of the day is the surge in precious metals. Gold, silver, and platinum all reached new all-time highs, fueled by persistent geopolitical tensions and a weakening US dollar.
Meanwhile, oil prices are heading for their biggest weekly gain since late October. Brent crude traded above $62 a barrel, up over 3% for the week, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was over $58. This rise is attributed to a partial US blockade of crude shipments from Venezuela and a recent US military strike against a militant group in Nigeria, both adding to supply concerns.
Analysts say that while there’s been some reduction in bets on the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next year, the overall positive sentiment in the market is still driving gains. No major economic data or earnings reports are expected before the week’s end.
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