Markets reopen after Christmas with modest declines; S&P 500 down, Target gains on activist stake
Markets reopen after Christmas with losses as stocks slip: S&P 500 down 0.1%, Dow and Nasdaq dip; gold and silver rise, Target gains activist stake.
Overview
Investors returned from the Christmas break as major U.S. stock indexes opened with modest declines and a generally flat session across leading markets.
The S&P 500 fell 0.1% at midday, while the Dow declined 0.2% and the Nasdaq eased less than 0.1% respectively.
Despite the intraday declines, the S&P 500 has surged about 18% in 2025, signaling a strong year for equities so far.
Gold and silver rose amid supply constraints, and Target rose about 2% after reports that an activist investor acquired a stake in the retailer.
Markets in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia were closed on holiday schedules, narrowing trading activity and keeping volumes lighter.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story with neutrality, focusing on factual reporting without evaluative language or selective emphasis. The article provides a balanced overview of stock market trends, historical context of the Santa Claus Rally, and specific market movements. By including diverse data points and avoiding loaded terms, the coverage maintains an objective tone.