Pre-market analysis for US stocks on December 22, 2025
New York, December 22, 2025 — After a strong closing rally in U.S. stocks last Friday (December 19), the market remained calm over the weekend (20-21) with no major negative events, as investors turned their attention to the traditional "Santa Claus Rally" expected this week. Analysts predict a modestly higher or flat-but-strong opening for U.S. stocks on Monday, with the tech sector continuing to lead gains, though overall upside may be limited amid thin trading volume.
Last Friday, all three major U.S. stock indices rose, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up ~0.4% (near 48,135), the S&P 500 gaining 0.9% (near 6,835), and the Nasdaq Composite surging 1.3% (near 23,308). Tech stocks—especially AI-related names like NVIDIA, Micron, and Oracle—led the rebound, offsetting drags from consumer stocks like Nike. For the week, the S&P 500 edged up 0.1%, the Nasdaq rose 0.5%, while the Dow dipped ~0.7%. For 2025 as a whole, U.S. stocks have performed strongly, with the S&P 500 up over 15% and the Nasdaq gaining more than 20%.
With no geopolitical or economic data surprises over the weekend, market sentiment remains intact from Friday’s optimism. AI trade recovery remains a key driver, with high-bandwidth memory demand and AI prospects continuing to bolster investor confidence. Though concerns linger over 2026 inflation, tariff policies, and AI valuation bubbles, year-end trading typically sees lower liquidity, amplifying positive sentiment.
Monday’s Projected Moves:
Opening expectations: Futures point to a modestly higher open, with Monday’s session likely starting up 0.2%-0.5% or flat before strengthening.
Nasdaq: The strongest, expected to rise 0.5%-1.5%, with AI and tech stocks (e.g., NVIDIA, Micron) continuing to benefit from demand optimism and leading the market.
S&P 500: A moderate gain of 0.3%-0.8%, lifted by tech heavyweights but slightly weighed by consumer and energy sectors.
Dow Jones: Relatively steady, up 0%-0.5%, with blue chips lacking strong tech momentum.
Analysts note that thin pre-Christmas trading could amplify bullish sentiment, though sporadic profit-taking or growing worries about next year’s economy may trigger volatility. Later this week, GDP and consumer confidence data will be released, but Monday’s focus is digesting the quiet weekend.
Overall, barring new negative catalysts, U.S. stocks are likely to extend last week’s rebound on Monday with modest gains, led by tech dominance. Year-end volatility risks persist, and investors are advised to monitor real-time futures and opening moves closely.
This analysis contains no investment advice; differing views are welcome in comments.
$NASDAQ Composite Index(.IXIC.US) $S&P 500(.SPX.US) $Dow Jones Industrial Average(.DJI.US)
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