On Jan. 7, 2026, investors weighed a massive notes deal, raised guidance, and an approved merger reshaping this real estate platform.

The S&P 500 has barely budged since late October. Yet beneath the surface of the U.S. equity market, big shifts have been taking place.

Desmond Lachman warns that Trump could be "setting himself up for electoral disappointment" with his brags about U.S. equities.

The Dow was set to open higher Wednesday after closing above 49,000 for the first time in the previous session. Oil prices and gold were falling.

The S & P 500 finished the year up 16%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq climbed 19%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed out 2025 up 13%. A dip in each of the indexes on Wednesday left markets lower in the year’s final trading session.

SharkNinja (SN) stock has surged since its 2023 spin-off on strong growth, market share gains, and global expansion. Click here to read my latest analysis.

The ginormous "Magnificent Seven" stocks have been the stars of the stock market in recent years. In 2025, international stocks were the biggest winners. I predict, though, that small- and mid-cap stocks will, at long last, take the torch in 2026.

Here's what you need to know about whether U.S. stock markets will be open or closed on New Year's Day this year.