Wall Street Sees Minor Decline as 2025 Nears its End

As 2025 ends, Wall Street faced a minor decline in the final trading session. The S&P 500 fell by 0.3%, closing at 6,905.74, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 0.5% to 48,461.93, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.5% to 23,474.35. However, these indices have showcased impressive gains over the year, with the S&P 500 up more than 17% and on track for an eighth consecutive month of growth.

Technology stocks were a primary concern, particularly those linked to artificial intelligence. Nvidia saw a 1.2% drop in shares, and Broadcom fell by 0.8%, as investors voiced doubts about the sustainable value of significant AI investments after a highly successful year driven by optimism in this sector.

Conversely, energy stocks rose, fueled by increasing oil prices. U.S. crude oil prices jumped by 2.4% to $58.08 per barrel, bolstering the energy sector’s performance.

Precious metals experienced a retreat after recent highs, with gold prices declining by 3.5%, although they remain up around 66% for the year. Silver prices also fell following prior gains.

Treasury yields declined, reflecting previous rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in response to consistent inflation and a slowing job market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note decreased from 4.13% to 4.11%.

Globally, markets were mixed. Taiwan’s Taiex index rose by 0.9% despite military drills by China, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dipped by 0.7%.

Overall, despite the slight downturn in the final session, the major indices’ strong performance throughout 2025 highlights a year of notable market volatility and activity.