The article discusses various market updates for Friday, December 27, 2024. Here are some key points:
- US stocks look set to open lower: US stocks are expected to start the day lower, which could be a breather for the "Santa rally" that has been ongoing.
- S&P 500 and Nasdaq fall: The S&P 500 fell below the flatline, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq fell slightly.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average closes up 28 points: Despite the falls in other indices, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the session up 28 points after flipping between positive and negative territory throughout the light trading session.
- Small cap stocks rise: Small cap stocks inched higher, sending the Russell 2000 up 0.9%.
- Bitcoin falls to $96,000 level: Bitcoin’s price fell to hover near the $96,000 level as volatile trading continued.
- Kospi lower due to political turmoil in South Korea: The Kospi Composite index finished 1% lower due to ongoing political turmoil in South Korea, including the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Interim President Han Duck-soo.
- Gold prices decline amid thin year-end trading: Gold prices saw a modest decline on Friday amid thin year-end trading, but remain poised to post gains for the week as markets await economic signals under the incoming Trump administration.
- UK retailers in financial distress rise: The number of UK retailers in ‘critical financial distress’ rose by 25% quarter-on-quarter, with 2,124 retailers facing financial difficulties.
Overall, it appears that global markets are experiencing a mixed day, with some indices falling while others remain stable or even rise.
