Index Treads Water in First Post-Christmas Session | Global News Avenue

Major U.S. stock indexes were mixed on the first trading day since the Christmas holiday, with the S&P 500 down only slightly on the day.

U.S. Labor Department data showed initial jobless claims fell in the week ended Dec. 21 from the previous week, a sign of labor market resilience that could influence the Federal Reserve as policymakers weigh an interest rate cut in 2025 .

The S&P 500 fluctuated near its flat line for much of the day before closing down less than 0.1%. The Dow closed slightly lower, while the Nasdaq edged higher.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (world boxing association) shares rose 5.3%, firmly topping the S&P 500’s daily performance list. The pharmacy operator’s shares soared in early December after reports it was in acquisition discussions with a private equity firm, but the stock has been volatile since then.

Shares of discount retailer Dollar Tree (DLTR) rose 3.8%. Dollar Tree shares fall after latest share price release quarterly earnings reportwas released earlier this month as the company cited continued pressure on consumer spending amid an uncertain economic environment. The company announced last week that Chief Executive Officer Michael Creedon would stay on permanently to lead the retailer’s turnaround plan as it battles consumer headwinds and competition.

Shares of other retailers also rose. Target(TGT) rose 3% as the company announced price cuts and additional promotions aimed at keeping seasonal sales flowing as the key holiday season ends. in its latest earnings reportTarget expects fourth-quarter comparable sales to be flat year over year.

Fair Isaac Corp. stock (Fitzgerald), the data analytics company best known for its credit ratings, fell 2%, the biggest decliner among S&P 500 stocks. JPMorgan analysts last week initiated a “neutral” rating on Fair Isaac stock, noting that higher prices could hinder the company’s growth trajectory.

Tesla (Tesla) The stock price fell 1.8% and some shares were recovered Stocks rise Heading into the Christmas market holidays. While the electric carmaker expects record fourth-quarter vehicle deliveries, investors may be more focused on Tesla’s long-term self-driving and artificial intelligence opportunities, analysts said.

Shares of server and data storage provider Super Micro Computer (SMCI) fell 1.7%, giving up some of the stock’s Christmas Eve gains. Last week, the company’s shares were removed from the influential Nasdaq 100 index, putting pressure on Supermicro’s stock price, but the Nasdaq exchange extended a delay in filing its annual report until the end of February. , which eased some concerns about possible delisting.