U.S. stocks closed higher on Tuesday, pushing the S&P 500 to a fresh all-time high and extending Wall Street’s winning streak to four consecutive sessions, as investors looked past stronger-than-expected economic data and adjusted expectations around interest rate cuts.
The S&P 500 rose 0.46% to a record close of 6,909.79, marking its latest milestone in 2025. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite added 0.57%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained a more modest 0.16%. The steady advance comes as equities rebound from recent volatility, with markets finding renewed momentum heading into the final trading days before the Christmas holiday.
Tuesday’s rally unfolded despite data showing the U.S. economy grew at a surprisingly robust pace over the summer. According to the first read on third-quarter gross domestic product, the economy expanded at a 4.3% annualized rate—well above the 3.3% economists had expected. The report, delayed earlier by government shutdown disruptions, also highlighted resilient consumer spending, reinforcing the view that economic activity remains strong even as borrowing costs stay elevated.
That strength prompted traders to dial back expectations for near-term interest rate cuts. Markets are now pricing in more than an 85% probability that the Federal Reserve will leave rates unchanged at its January meeting, up from roughly 75% just a week ago. While investors still anticipate two rate cuts by the end of next year, the timing appears less certain as economic data continues to show resilience.
Adding nuance to the outlook, December consumer confidence data from the Conference Board showed sentiment falling for a fifth straight month. The decline underscores a disconnect between hard economic data and consumer perceptions, suggesting households remain uneasy about inflation, interest rates, and the broader cost of living despite strong growth figures.
Beyond equities, commodities were a major highlight. Gold and silver prices continued their powerful rally, putting both precious metals on track for their strongest annual performance in more than 40 years. Copper also surged to a new record above $12,000 per ton, reflecting ongoing demand tied to infrastructure spending, electrification, and global supply constraints.
Corporate news added to the bullish tone. Shares of Novo Nordisk jumped after the Danish pharmaceutical giant received official U.S. approval to market its Wegovy weight-loss drug, reinforcing investor enthusiasm around the booming obesity treatment market. In the technology sector, megacap names led gains, with semiconductor stocks climbing and artificial intelligence heavyweight Nvidia helping lift the broader Nasdaq. Alphabet shares also advanced, contributing to the tech sector’s leadership.
Looking ahead, trading volumes are expected to thin as markets head into the holiday break. U.S. stock markets will close early on Wednesday and remain shut on Thursday for Christmas. Still, with the S&P 500 at record highs and investor optimism returning, attention is turning to whether a traditional “Santa Claus rally” could carry stocks into the new year, even as questions around interest rates and economic momentum remain firmly in focus.
