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

Trump Pulls Strings, Stock Market Reacts With Crash

Auto Stocks Fall After Trump's Latest Tariff Blow Advanced Micro Devices Falls After Brokerage Downgrade Weekly Jobless Claims Total 224,000 Dollar Rises Against Canadian Dollar, Mexican Peso S&P 500 -0.33%

Thomas Frank 07:36 2025-03-28 UTC+2

New Tariffs on Cars: How They Will Hit the Stock Market and Automakers

The U.S. stock market faced pressure after 25% tariffs on imported cars were announced. President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing new duties on foreign-manufactured automobiles starting this April

Ekaterina Kiseleva 23:44 2025-03-27 UTC+2

Stakes rise: GameStop bets on crypto, Trump on tariffs

President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to announce new auto tariffs in the near future. Dollar Tree shares rose following the sale of its Family Dollar business. GameStop stock surged

11:15 2025-03-27 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 27

US President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on auto imports, triggering a sharp sell-off in equity markets. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices fell as investors grew concerned about escalating

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:02 2025-03-27 UTC+2

Stakes Rise: GameStop Plays Crypto, Trump Plays Tariffs

Trump Set to Announce Auto Tariffs Soon, Report Says Dollar Tree Rises on Family Dollar Business Sale GameStop Rises on Bitcoin Bet, Higher Q4 Profit Nikkei Falls 1%, South Korean

Thomas Frank 08:04 2025-03-27 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 26

Top banks are split on the S&P 500 outlook: the market remains in a zone of uncertainty. The S&P 500 is holding above a key level, but the rally lacks

Irina Maksimova 10:47 2025-03-26 UTC+2

US indices rise despite KB Home

On Tuesday, the US stock market showed moderate growth: shares of the giant Apple rushed up, while Nvidia shares went down. Investors closely reacted to fresh data on public sentiment

Thomas Frank 09:02 2025-03-26 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 25

Yesterday, the S&P 500 unexpectedly put on a show, jumping 1.76% to reach 5,769, a level last seen on January 13th. As if following a well-rehearsed script, the Marlin oscillator

Natalia Andreeva 11:50 2025-03-25 UTC+2

Gold Rally, Crypto Boost: March Becomes Market Breakout Month

S&P Composite PMI at 53.5 in March vs. 51.6 in February Lockheed Martin Falls After Brokerage Downgrade Crypto Stocks Rise on Bitcoin Gains European Stocks Rise Ahead of Key German

Thomas Frank 10:57 2025-03-25 UTC+2

Market at crossroads: falling Dow Transports and rising Europe

The Dow Jones Transportation Average has dropped more than 17% from its November peak. Meanwhile, European equities are climbing ahead of upcoming business activity surveys. Next week brings key reports

12:39 2025-03-24 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.