U.S. equity indices completed the first full week of 2026 in positive territory as investors reacted to softer-than-expected labor market data. The S&P500 and Nasdaq Composite indices each gained more than 1.5% while equal-weight and value themes continued to outperform.

Despite ending on a four-day losing streak, the S&P500 index posted its third consecutive year of
above-average returns, rising 16.4% in 2025. The U.S. equity benchmark closed the year within
about 1% of its all-time high. The Nasdaq Composite gained 20.4% while the Russell 2000 rose
11.3%

The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points while signaling a
pause in further reductions as they look for clearer signals on inflation and the labor market. U.S.
equity indices delivered mixed performance that culminated in Friday’s sharp sello

.S. equity indices posted modest gains as investors’ expectations for an interest rate cut this
month continued to rise. The Nasdaq Composite and Russell 2000 indices each rose nearly 1%,
while the S&P500 added 0.3%. Sector performance was mixed…

U.S. equity indices and other risk assets rebounded sharply in a holiday-shortened week as rising
hopes for a December rate cut and a recovery in technology shares buoyed sentiment. The
Nasdaq Composite

Despite a sense of relief from the longest government shutdown in U.S. history finally coming to
an end, equity indices finished with mixed performance as technology stocks were pressured…