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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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Finland Tops Happiness Rankings Again, While U.S. Faces Record Low

For the eighth consecutive year, Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report. The Nordic nation continues to lead the rankings, followed by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, which also secured top spots. The report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup, evaluates countries based on factors such as social support, life expectancy, freedom, and generosity.

Finland's success is attributed to its strong social trust, robust public services, and a culture that values connection and well-being. Simple lifestyle elements, like sharing meals and having someone to rely on, play a significant role in fostering happiness.

Meanwhile, the United States has dropped to its lowest-ever position, ranking 24th. This decline is linked to increasing social isolation, with a notable rise in the number of people dining alone. Experts also point to growing political polarization and a sense of disconnection as contributing factors.

The report highlights that happiness is not solely tied to wealth but also to trust, community, and kindness. As Finland continues to set an example, the findings serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in social bonds and collective well-being.

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