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Wall Street Holds Steady as S&P 500 Hits Record Ahead of Christmas Break

Market Snapshot – December 24, 2025 Dow Jones Futures: Flat at 48,735 points S&P 500 Futures: Near 6,957 points, little changed after Tuesday’s record close Nasdaq 100 Futures: Slight dip of 0.1% to 25,796.5 points S&P 500 Index: Closed Tuesday at 6,909, its latest all-time high Key Drivers Robust economic growth continues to fuel investor optimism. Seasonal “Santa Claus rally” has lifted stocks for four consecutive sessions. Markets will close early today at 1 p.m. EST and remain shut tomorrow for Christmas Day. Traders remain cautious about inflation and potential Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026. Quick Take Wall Street enters the holiday season on a high note, with the S&P 500 near the 7,000 mark and futures showing little movement. The shortened trading session means liquidity will be thin, amplifying small moves. Still, the overall tone remains upbeat, with investors betting that the year-end rally will carry into the final days of 2025.

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Athens Taxis Stage 48-Hour Strike Amidst Nationwide Public Sector Unrest By Copilot

 

The bustling streets of Athens have been thrown into disarray as taxi drivers embark on a 48-hour strike, their vehicles forming a slow-moving protest convoy. But this isn’t just about fares and traffic—it’s a synchronized symphony of discontent echoing across the entire public sector.

The Taxi Drivers’ Revolt

  • Why Now?: The capital’s taxi union has called for this walkout, fueled by a series of grievances. Their demands include a reduction in taxes, access to bus lanes, and stricter regulations on ride-sharing apps. These drivers, who navigate the city’s labyrinthine streets, are feeling the pinch of newly imposed taxes on the self-employed.

  • The First Day: More than 200 taxis snaked through Athens, their yellow roofs a beacon of protest. Their message: “Enough is enough.” The streets reverberated with honks and slogans, a chorus of frustration.

Nationwide Echoes

  • Perfect Timing: The second day of the taxi strike aligns with a nationwide stoppage. Public and some private sector workers join hands in solidarity. Expect disruptions:

    • Public Transport: Commuters brace for chaos as buses, trams, and metro services stutter.
    • Grounded Flights: Air travel faces turbulence, with flights delayed or canceled.
    • Ferry Standstill: Ports echo with the lapping of idle waves as ferries remain tied up.
  • Georgios Voilis Speaks: A taxi driver and union member, Georgios Voilis, succinctly captures the sentiment: “New taxes have hammered the taxi industry.” The struggle is real, and the streets bear witness.

As Athens grapples with this synchronized unrest, the city’s heartbeat falters. The question remains: Can harmony emerge from discord? 

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