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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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Songkran: Thailand’s Splendid New Year Celebration

Thailand’s New Year festivities are a vibrant blend of tradition and joy, with the Songkran Festival standing at its heart. Celebrated annually from April 13 to 15, Songkran marks the start of the Buddhist New Year. The festival is famed for its jubilant water fights that splash across streets and towns, drawing both locals and tourists into a dazzling melee of fun. 

Traditionally, Songkran is a time to honor ancestors, visit temples, and cleanse Buddha statues with scented water—a ritual believed to bring good luck and blessings. The water element holds deep symbolism, representing purification and renewal as individuals metaphorically wash away past misfortunes.

Over the years, Songkran has evolved into an exhilarating cultural event that highlights Thailand’s charm. Streets transform into battlegrounds for water pistol wars, buckets fly, and hoses unleash cascades of joy. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok host lively parades, music, and traditional dances that enliven the festival further.

Songkran is much more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of Thailand’s warm spirit, creating unforgettable memories of connection and laughter. It’s safe to say that in Thailand, the New Year doesn’t just start; it splashes its way in!

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