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Market Recap
WEEK OF DEC. 29, 2025 THROUGH JAN. 2, 2026
The S&P 500 index shed 1% last week as the market benchmark transitioned to 2026 following its third consecutive year of double-digit percentage gains. The S&P 500 ended at 6,858.47 on Friday, up 0.2% in its first trading session of the new year but down from the previous week's close. The index locked in a 16% gain for 2025 on Wednesday. Trading was closed on Thursday for New Year's Day.
The index edged down 0.05% in December but still added 2.3% in Q4, marking its third consecutive quarter of gains.
The consumer discretionary sector had the largest percentage loss last week, falling 3.2%, followed by a 1.5% drop in technology and a 1.3% decline in financials. Consumer staples, communication services, real estate, health care, and materials also edged lower.
Tesla (TSLA) was among the week's hardest-hit stocks in consumer discretionary, falling 7.8%. The electric vehicle manufacturer's fourth-quarter vehicle deliveries fell more than expected. In a note to clients, Wedbush Securities attributed the performance to a challenging demand environment following the end of an electric vehicle tax credit in the US and headwinds in Europe.
In the technology sector, AppLovin (APP) had the largest weekly percentage drop, sliding 13%, followed by an 11% loss in shares of Palantir Technologies (PLTR).
However, three sectors posted weekly gains: Energy climbed 3.3%, followed by a 0.9% increase in utilities and a 0.5% rise in industrials.
The gain in energy stocks came as crude oil futures also rose on the week. Occidental Petroleum (OXY) was among the best performers, up 6.4%. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) said it completed its acquisition of OxyChem from Occidental for $9.7 billion.
This week's US economic data will include December automotive sales as well as the Institute for Supply Management's December manufacturing index on Monday. The Institute for Supply Management will also release its December services index on Wednesday. Finally, the government's closely followed December employment report will be released on Friday.
