empty
27.12.2021 05:00 PM
S&P 500 index shows gains, however experts are sceptical about pre-New Year's trading

The S&P 500 almost hit its daily high on Monday trading. The news of the cancellation of more than 800 flights in the US due to the spread of the Omicron variant was reported before that. However, investors probably assessed the damage to airlines, considering strong retail sales, which stressed the economic power and alleviated concerns about flight cancellations.

S&P 500 index shows gains, however experts are sceptical about pre-New Year's trading

For example, Mastercard Inc.reported that retail sales rose by 8.5% during the holiday shopping season (from November 1 to December 24) due to a surge in online sales.

New York chief market economist Peter Cardillo said that despite the coronavirus variant and travel disruptions, retail sales had risen significantly. He added that it was a positive sign for the economy in the new year.

However, some sectors were hurt. Travel stocks, which usually decline due to negative news about the coronavirus pandemic, traditionally fell after US airlines canceled many flights on Sunday. Many travelers were forced to change plans for Christmas owing to the increase in COVID-19 cases.

Meanwhile, shares of Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines fell by 1.6 – 2.1% at the premarket. Quotes of cruise operators Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Corp. dropped by 2.5 – 3%.

However, economists are still optimistic. Cardillo noted that the market would continue to grow despite still prevailing fear of viruses.

Notably, the S&P 500 index closed at a record high on Thursday due to optimism related to the Omicron variant. Investors felt relief after the news of the economic impact of the strain was announced as it turned the markets upside down earlier this month.

Currently, the three major Wall Street indices are targeting a third straight year of gains, with the benchmark S&P 500 index nearing the end of the year with a 25.8% gain. The Dow Jones should rise by 17.5%, while the Nasdaq expects a 21.4% gain.

At 8:20 am ET, the Dow e-minis index went up 82 points or 0.23%, and the S&P 500 e-minis index gained 17.25 points or 0.37%.

Shares of the Nasdaq 100 e-minis rose by 76 points or 0.47%, while stocks of major companies Tesla, Microsoft Corp. and Meta Platform added 0.5-1.5%.

Besides, it is not recommended to increase trading volumes these days as experts are predicting fewer trades than usual on New Year's Eve. It may lead to markets being susceptible to volatile movements. According to statistics, the last five trading days of December and first two days of January usually generate considerable profits for US stocks in 75% cases since 1945 (according to CFRA Research).

Shares of GoDaddy Inc rose by 5.2% after activist investor Starboard Value LP reportedly bought a 6.5% stake in the company worth about $800 million.

The Financial Times reported on Monday that Chinese giant Didi Global Inc, taking the lead on the Hong Kong stock exchange lately, has barred current and former employees from opening shorts on the company's stock indefinitely. Shares of Didi, listed in the US, fell by 0.7 percent.

So far, experts are not giving any reasons for the suspension of trading on the company's profile. More information will probably be available soon.

Egor Danilov,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

US Market News Digest for May 29

Markets reacted to a US Court of International Trade ruling that found the Trump administration's tariff actions exceeded its authority. The decision has introduced fresh uncertainty for the S&P

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:15 2025-05-29 UTC+2

Stock storm: Nvidia soars, Dow falls, court knocks down Trump tariffs

Nvidia shares up 5% after close; co reports quarterly results Dick's Sporting Goods rises after Q1 results beat expectations US trade court blocks Trump tariffs European stocks rise

Thomas Frank 10:49 2025-05-29 UTC+2

From Nvidia to Xiaomi: What's Driving Stock Market Growth and Decline Today

Indices Rising: Dow 1.78%, S&P 500 2.05%, Nasdaq 2.47% Consumer Confidence Recovers in May Temu Parent PDD Holdings Falls on Quarterly Revenue Slip Chinese Xiaomi Shares Set to Rise 2.3%

Thomas Frank 12:06 2025-05-28 UTC+2

Whoever doesn't risk a recession doesn't reduce the national debt? Trader's calendar on May 29–31

To be at the center of global attention and to "shape the planet's destiny" — that's what Donald Trump enjoys most. For him, it's essential to constantly generate headlines

Svetlana Radchenko 11:47 2025-05-28 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for May 28

The S&P 500 index has broken through the key 5,908 level, signaling the end of its recent correction and opening the door to further upside. A break above the resistance

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:25 2025-05-28 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for May 27

US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on imports from the EU, yet financial markets responded with restraint. Investors are increasingly adopting a "threat and retreat" strategy, buying stocks

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:54 2025-05-27 UTC+2

Nvidia on the agenda: markets await quarterly report, dollar nears fifth straight monthly decline

Stock markets showed mixed dynamics on Tuesday after Donald Trump unexpectedly postponed the introduction of the promised 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union. The move only increased uncertainty

Thomas Frank 11:31 2025-05-27 UTC+2

Gold at $4,200? Why the Market Is Once Again Preparing for a Historic Rally

The gold market has recently been highly volatile, with dramatic movements in both directions. After breaking above $3,000 per ounce, the metal entered a phase of heightened volatility—testing resistance

Anna Zotova 00:23 2025-05-27 UTC+2

Bitcoin hesitates whether to pull back to $100,000 or climb to $115,000

The world's first cryptocurrency finds itself in limbo. After a recent rally, it pulled back and then settled. At the moment, Bitcoin is at a crossroads, with market participants closely

Larisa Kolesnikova 15:16 2025-05-26 UTC+2

All eyes on Nvidia as markets brace for fresh turbulence

Nvidia's results, the final earnings report from the Magnificent Seven, are set for release on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and European markets are back to square one. The 30-year

12:58 2025-05-26 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.