SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1

NIO, Inc. is a holding company which engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of electric vehicles. Its products include the EP9 supercar and ES8 7-seater SUV. It provides users with home charging, power express valet services, and other power solutions including access to public charging, access to power mobile charging trucks, and battery swapping. It also offers other value-added services such as service package, battery payment arrangement, and vehicle financing and license plate registration. The company was founded by Bin Li and Li Hong Qin on November 28, 2014 and is headquartered in Jiading, China.

NIO Inc - ADR

NIO Inc

NIO is a hot topic following its record December and Q4 vehicle deliveries, which are igniting bullish sentiment around the company's path to profitability and expansion with new brands like ONVO and Firefly. Despite strong operational performance and nearing one million cumulative deliveries, many investors are debating perceived market manipulation and the stock's valuation compared to rivals. This positions NIO as a focal point for discussions on growth versus market dynamics in the EV sector.

Chainlink is the industry-standard decentralized oracle network that solves the "oracle problem" by connecting smart contracts with real-world data. Blockchains cannot access external information on their own, so Chainlink acts as a secure bridge, enabling smart contracts to react to real-world events using verified, tamper-proof data. It is widely considered one of the first decentralized oracle networks and is the market leader in bringing off-chain data on-chain.  The platform operates through a decentralized network of nodes that fetch, validate, and deliver data to smart contracts. When a contract requests information like a stock price, a committee of independent nodes retrieves and aggregates the data to reach consensus, then delivers a single trustworthy answer. Chainlink offers a suite of services including Data Feeds for asset prices, CCIP for cross-chain token transfers and messaging, Automation for triggering smart contract functions, and Proof of Reserve for verifying asset collateralization.  Chainlink has established itself as critical infrastructure for both DeFi and institutional adoption, with partnerships including Swift, Euroclear, Mastercard, UBS, ANZ, Fidelity International, and J.P. Morgan. Its institutional products include the Chainlink Runtime Environment for tokenized asset workflows, Confidential Compute for privacy-preserving computation, and the Automated Compliance Engine for embedding regulatory rules into smart contracts.  The LINK token is the native asset used to pay node operators for services, fund subscription accounts, and incentivize network security through staking. Node operators stake LINK as collateral, which can be slashed if they provide inaccurate data. Chainlink was co-founded in 2017 by Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis, who co-authored the white paper with Ari Juels, and raised $32 million in its September 2017 ICO.

ChainLink

Chainlink is trending as a leader in real-world asset tokenization, evidenced by major partnerships with traditional finance players and recent institutional interest following a spot ETF launch. The community views LINK as a long-term utility play, further bolstered by ongoing token accumulation and its proven role as crucial cross-chain infrastructure.

Invesco Capital Management LLC - Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1

QQQ is trending with highly polarized sentiment as the new trading year begins, following recent declines attributed to year-end profit-taking. While many anticipate a strong rebound and "full breakout mode" for the tech-heavy index, others warn of "massive dumps" and increased volatility, citing bearish technicals and concerns about the broader economic landscape and AI sector. The community is actively debating whether QQQ will continue its impressive run or face a significant correction.

Baidu, Inc. engages in the provision of internet search and online marketing solutions. The firm’s products and services include Baidu App, Baidu Search, Baidu Feed, Haokan, Quanmin, Baidu Post Bar, Baidu Knows, Baidu Encyclopedia, Baidu Input Method Editor or Baidu IME, Baidu AI Cloud and Overseas Products. It operates through the following segments: Baidu Core and iQIYI. The Baidu Core segment provides search-based, feed-based, and other online marketing services. The iQiyi segment is an online entertainment service provider, which offers original, professionally produced and partner-generated content on its platform. The company was founded by Yanhong Li and Xu Yong on January 18, 2000 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.

Baidu Inc - ADR

Baidu is actively trending as its AI chip unit, Kunlunxin, prepares for a potential IPO, generating significant buzz around its role in addressing China's domestic AI chip demand. Community discussions are highlighting the global expansion of its Apollo Go robotaxi service through major partnerships and the reported adoption of Baidu's chips by other AI firms, collectively driving a narrative of the company's strong growth trajectory in autonomous driving and AI infrastructure.

What is the project about? Pepe is a community based meme token surround the iconic meme Pepe the frog. Pepe aims to leverage the power of such an iconic meme to become the most memeable memecoin in existence.   What makes your project unique? Pepe is here to make memecoins great again. Ushering in a new paradigm for memecoins, Pepe represents the memecoin in it's purest simplicity. With zero taxes, liquidity locked forever, and contract immutable, Pepe is for the people, forever. Pepe is about culture, rallying together a community to have fun and enjoy memes, fueled purely by memetic power.   History of your project. Pepe was stealth launched on Friday, April 14th, 2023.   What’s next for your project? Pepe will focus on developing a tight-knit community around the token and building resources to enrich the communities knowledge and success in crypto through a token gated group, newsletter, and more tools.   What can your token be used for? Pepe can be used to speculate on the power of memes, and does not pretend to be anything more.

Pepe

Pepe Coin is actively trending amidst strong bullish sentiment across the crypto market, with its community enthusiastically discussing predictions of dropping zeros and even reaching significant price points. Despite some skepticism regarding its fundamentals and large supply, many investors are embracing its meme coin status as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity, fueled by broader 'alt season' narratives.

Monad is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain that processes 10,000 transactions per second with near-zero fees. The platform delivers high performance without compromising on security or decentralization, creating the infrastructure needed for complex applications that require high-frequency activity.  One of Monad’s key innovations lies in how it handles transaction processing. Instead of processing transactions one at a time like traditional blockchains, Monad processes multiple transactions simultaneously through parallel execution.   The system separates the agreement process from the execution process, allowing validators to first agree on which transactions to include and in what order, then having more time to execute those transactions without slowing down consensus. This approach, combined with a custom-built database called MonadDB, dramatically increases throughput while maintaining accuracy.  Monad also offers complete EVM compatibility, where applications built for Ethereum work on Monad without any code modifications, and users can connect with familiar wallets like MetaMask just as they would on Ethereum. Developers can immediately tap into Ethereum's established ecosystem of tools, libraries, and applications while benefitting from Monad’s performance improvements. The platform also runs on consumer-grade hardware rather than expensive specialized equipment, making it accessible for more people to participate in securing the network.  Monad has raised approximately 244 million dollars in total funding across multiple rounds. The company secured 19 million dollars in a seed round in February 2023 led by Dragonfly Capital, followed by a 225 million dollar Series A round in April 2024 led by Paradigm at a 3 billion dollar valuation. Other notable investors include Electric Capital, Greenoaks, Coinbase Ventures, and prominent angel investors such as Naval Ravikant.

Monad

Monad (MON) is trending amid recent positive attention from major financial news and robust on-chain growth metrics, including a rapid increase in new wallets and ecosystem integrations. The community is actively debating its potential as a high-performance EVM blockchain and long-term crypto asset, while some express skepticism regarding its tokenomics and have raised concerns about its valuation.

SSgA Active Trust - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is trending with strong upward momentum in futures, driven by the perceived conclusion of tax loss selling and a significant Fed liquidity injection. Community sentiment is sharply divided, with bulls anticipating a continued rally into the new year, while bears warn of a potential bull trap and heightened volatility ahead. The broader market conversation also encompasses the sustained impact of AI demand and global economic indicators.

Intelligent Bio Solutions, Inc. is a medical technology company, which engages in delivering testing solutions. It operates through the Intelligent Fingerprinting Products (IFPG) and Saliva Glucose Biosensor Platform (SGBP) segments. It offers biochemistry, immunology, tumor markers, hormones, and nucleic acid diagnostic modalities. The company was founded on December 5, 2016 and is headquartered in New York, NY.

Intelligent Bio Solutions Inc

Intelligent Bio Solutions (INBS) is trending following a strategic manufacturing partnership announcement, which many believe positions the company for significant growth and increased production capacity. This news is fueling speculative interest and comparisons to previous low-float movers. However, community discussion is sharply divided, with others expressing apprehension about substantial dilution from a recently disclosed private placement.

BlackRock Institutional Trust Company N.A. - iShares Silver Trust

iShares Silver Trust

SLV is trending amid an intense debate regarding potential supply shortages, notably fueled by new export restrictions from a major silver-producing nation. Many in the community anticipate an unprecedented "silver squeeze" and a decoupling of physical and paper prices, while others warn it's a speculative bubble ripe for a significant market correction. This volatility, often linked to increased margin requirements from major exchanges, is intensifying discussions around market manipulation and silver's true market value.

NVIDIA Corp. engages in the design and manufacture of computer graphics processors, chipsets, and related multimedia software. It operates through the following segments: Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and Compute & Networking. The Graphics segment includes GeForce GPUs for gaming and PCs, the GeForce NOW game streaming service and related infrastructure, Quadro and NVIDIA RTX GPUs for enterprise workstation graphics, virtual GPU, or vGPU, software for cloud-based visual and virtual computing, automotive platforms for infotainment systems, and Omniverse Enterprise software for building and operating metaverse and 3D internet applications. The Compute & Networking segment consists of Data Center accelerated computing platforms and end-to-end networking platforms including Quantum for InfiniBand and Spectrum for Ethernet, NVIDIA DRIVE automated-driving platform and automotive development agreements, Jetson robotics and other embedded platforms, NVIDIA AI Enterprise and other software, and DGX Cloud software and services. The company was founded by Jen Hsun Huang, Chris A. Malachowsky, and Curtis R. Priem in April 1993 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA.

NVIDIA Corp

NVIDIA is a top trending stock following reports of overwhelming demand for its H200 AI chips from major Chinese technology companies, prompting requests for increased production from TSMC. The community is highly bullish, actively discussing potential strategic acquisitions in AI inference and eagerly awaiting new product roadmaps expected at CES 2026, despite some debate over recent price fluctuations. This reinforces NVIDIA's central role in the global AI infrastructure build-out.

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As the year 2025 draws to a close, a number of cryptocurrencies have outperformed the broader market, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, with standout performances and ecosystem growth.In fact, during a turbulent year for many assets marked by volatility and macro uncertainty, these five — ZCash (ZEC), Monero (XMR), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Binance Coin (BNB), and Tron (TRX) — posted notable gains or relative outperformance within their respective segments, supported by key fundamental catalysts behind their rallies.<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/YP_0v2_best_performing_large_cap_cryptocurrencies_in_2025_nbsp_png_a2f80655bd.webp" alt="YP0v2-best-performing-large-cap-cryptocurrencies-in-2025-nbsp-.png">In comparison, Ethereum fell 10.9%, and Bitcoin declined 5.1% till Dec. 30.<h2 class="st-heading-2">1. ZCash (ZEC)</h2>ZCash was one of the year's largest overperformers as renewed interest in privacy-focused assets began to pick up again in 2025. According to coverage from Cointelegraph, demand for financial privacy returned to the spotlight late in the year after being muted for most of the year. The dramatic rise briefly propelled ZEC into the top ranks of the most sought-after assets on Coinbase, even ahead of Bitcoin and XRP in trading volume in mid-November.The run-up, combined with a post-halving supply squeeze and an upgrade that increased shielded transaction use, propelled outsized percentage gains relative to most major tokens.Many observers also linked the rally to the interplay of supply factors following the 2024 halving and changes in on-chain usage metrics, such as the growth of the shielded balance on the network. ZEC’s repricing was thus linked to renewed market speculation about privacy-focused use cases, ending the several-year period of obscurity.<h2 class="st-heading-2">2. Monero</h2>Monero also delivered a strong performance within the privacy coin category, capitalizing on the rotation of funds into anonymity-focused cryptocurrencies during the year. Although gains in value varied with broader market trends, Cointelegraph noted that funds were rotating into privacy-focused projects such as XMR amid rising scrutiny in parts of the crypto sector. The trend toward privacy-focused offerings further strengthened XMR's market niche as traders and long-term investors grew interested in non-mainstream cryptocurrencies.At the same time, on-chain interest in XMR, as well as technical momentum, were other factors that helped it remain strong relative to many other large altcoins in the market. Even when regulatory pressure weighed on parts of the privacy-coin sector, Monero’s investor base remained strong, as it offered a feature of default obfuscated transactions by design.<h2 class="st-heading-2">3. Bitcoin Cash (BCH)</h2>Bitcoin Cash has surprised market participants in 2025, beating most Layer-1s on a relative performance basis, except in the privacy and ecosystem tiers. According to a Cointelegraph report, BCH has been one of the best-performing Layer 1 assets overall, logging close to 40% growth in 2025 alone. This has been remarkable given that most Layer-1 assets experienced token unlocks and developer treasury sales, both of which are significant factors affecting price.The simple peer-to-peer transaction value also supported the prices and low-cost transfer advantage, a narrative often cited by market participants that lured traders interested in basic cryptocurrency functionality rather than DeFi stories. The altcoin market performed poorly overall, but this helped BCH post consistent gains.<h2 class="st-heading-2">4. Tron</h2>Tron's performance in 2025 relied more on organic growth than on hot price surges. According to a Cointelegraph report, Tron has emerged as one of the leading settlement channels for the popular stablecoin USDT, handling a significant share of stablecoin transaction activity across the crypto market. The primary use of TRX not only validated its utility as a low-cost platform but also as a high-throughput network.Regular transaction volumes and network adoption for stablecoin flows helped maintain interest in TRX, despite other crypto markets recording mixed trends. Its development as a key hub for dollar-linked transactions emerged as an exciting narrative for traders and developers alike interested in blockchain scalability solutions.<h2 class="st-heading-2">5. BNB</h2>BNB, the native token of the Binance ecosystem, performed quite well relative to many large-cap tokens as trading volumes and network usage remained robust through 2025. According to CoinDesk, BNB reached over $870 in December, outperforming a number of crypto majors on continued volume support. That performance captured not just speculative upside but also continued utility as the fee token for one of the world's largest crypto ecosystems, bolstering its resilience.Activity across Binance’s trading ecosystem helped extend BNB's relative strength, especially in a year marked by rotating capital flows and cautious macro sentiment. This relative strength distinguished BNB from many peers as crypto markets started to reevaluate large caps.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/what-is-asset-allocation-in-investing/cL7BBZzREzU">What Is Asset Allocation In Investing?</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

In this photo illustration a Zcash logo seen displayed on a smartphone with the price graph information of Zcash in the background. (Photo Illustration by Thiago Prudencio/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Five Cryptocurrencies That Beat The Broader Market In A Volatile 2025

During a turbulent year for many assets marked by volatility and macro uncertainty, ZCash, Monero, Bitcoin Cash, BNB, and Tron posted notable gains or relative outperformance.

Cryptocurrency

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>By allocating investment across assets with varying risk and returns, the effect of market volatility is reduced over long investment horizons.</li><li>The basic building blocks of asset allocation are stocks, bonds, and cash or cash equivalents.</li><li>Although individual investment selection can affect portfolio performance, asset allocation has a far greater impact on long-term risk and return characteristics.</li></ul>Most investors spend their time debating which stocks to buy or when to buy them. But decades of market research suggest a different reality: the biggest driver of investment outcomes is how capital is allocated across asset classes, not the individual securities chosen.Asset allocation is the process of dividing capital across different asset classes to balance risk and return. It focuses on building a portfolio structure that balances stocks, bonds, and cash to manage risk, smooth volatility, and align investments with long-term goals.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Why Asset Allocation Is Important</h2>This is a crucial part of investing since different assets will behave differently. Stock market investments will provide better growth prospects. However, they can be pretty volatile. Meanwhile, bonds often offer relative stability and income, though they can face price pressure during rising interest-rate environments. Cash is helpful for easy liquidity but typically delivers the lowest long-term returns.By allocating investment across assets with varying risk and returns, the effect of market volatility is reduced over long investment horizons. Allocation is essential, as it helps manage downside risk and may allow you to benefit from market growth, though it does not guarantee profits or prevent losses.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Explaining Common Asset Classes</h2>The basic building blocks of asset allocation are stocks, bonds, and cash or cash equivalents. Company shares are a key source of wealth generation through capital appreciation and dividends. A bond is a source of generating income for the portfolio by providing loans to the government or companies, with returns typically tied to interest payments. Cash is the most versatile form of money, offering minimal returns but high liquidity and capital preservation.In addition to the above portfolios, others include alternative investments such as commodities or real assets. These investments sometimes serve as hedges against inflation or further diversification but are generally used in smaller allocations. Some firms have begun exploring limited exposure to digital assets such as Bitcoin, though these remain volatile and are typically used in small allocations.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Changes To Asset Allocation Over Time</h2>Asset allocation is not static. It may need to be adjusted as circumstances change. Smaller investors with longer time horizons may allocate a greater portion of their portfolio to growth stocks. In contrast, those nearing retirement may allocate towards the more conservative assets to reduce exposure to volatility.Market behavior may also inadvertently cause allocations to change. For instance, when the stock market is on an upside, the constituent assets may increase in size to occupy a larger proportion of the portfolio. This is why investment advisors widely recommend rebalancing, which involves restoring the portfolio to its original target allocation.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Asset Allocation Vs Stock Picking</h2>Asset allocation is more concerned with portfolio composition than individual investment selection. Although individual investment selection can affect portfolio performance, asset allocation has a far greater impact on long-term risk and return characteristics.&nbsp;Many investors begin with asset allocation, using their stock selection strategies as an overlay. That is why index funds or ETFs are frequently used to implement an allocation strategy, given their diversification and cost efficiency.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/is-us-stock-market-open-january-1-2026/cL7BdDYREze">Is The Stock Market Open On Jan 1? NYSE, Nasdaq Trading Hours For New Year’s Day</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on July 11, 2025 in New York City. As new tariffs continue to concern investors, the Dow fell over 250 points in trading Friday. 

What Is Asset Allocation In Investing?

The vast majority of investment results are not dependent on picking individual stocks, but on asset allocation across categories.

Equity

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Markets would wrap up the final trading session of 2025 on Dec. 31, a typical trading day. Stocks would trade between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET.</li><li>Trading would resume on Friday, Jan. 2, marking the first session of 2026.</li><li>Investors are turning their attention to the outlook for interest rates, economic growth indicators, and corporate earnings as we head into 2026.</li></ul>As investors begin the new calendar year, many investors are wondering whether U.S. equity markets are open on New Year’s Day.The answer is no.Both the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq would be closed on Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday. U.S. equity markets do not operate on Jan. 1 each year, and there is no regular trading session for stocks or exchange-traded funds.Markets would wrap up the final trading session of 2025 on Dec. 31, a typical trading day. Stocks would trade between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET before markets shut down for the holiday. Trading will resume on Friday, Jan. 2, when U.S. exchanges reopen for the first session of 2026.Bond markets will also remain closed on Thursday, in line with the New Year’s Day holiday schedule.Trading activity around year-end is typically lighter as many institutional investors remain on holiday. As a result, price action during the final sessions of the year can sometimes be more muted or more volatile, depending on positioning and liquidity.<h2 class="st-heading-2">What Investors Are Watching as 2026 Begins</h2>With markets closed on Thursday, investor attention is already shifting toward expectations for 2026. Wall Street is entering the new year focused on the outlook for interest rates, economic growth, and corporate earnings.The Federal Reserve’s policy path remains a central theme. Investors are watching upcoming inflation and labor data for signals on whether rate cuts could come later in the year. Any change in expectations around monetary policy could influence equity valuations as trading resumes.Corporate earnings will also be closely monitored as companies begin reporting quarterly results later in January. Guidance from major firms is expected to shape sentiment early in the year, particularly as analysts assess whether profit growth can remain resilient amid slower economic momentum.Market participants are also keeping an eye on broader risk appetite after U.S. stocks closed 2025 near record levels. Some strategists have noted that positioning at the start of the year could influence early January moves once trading resumes.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/how-do-interest-rates-affect-stock-markets/cL7B2t6REzT">How Do Interest Rates Affect Stock Markets?</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

A laptop keyboard, a reflected illustrative stock graph displayed on a screen and Nasdaq logo displayed on a phone screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on August 18, 2025.

Is The Stock Market Open On Jan 1? NYSE, Nasdaq Trading Hours For New Year’s Day

Both the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq would be closed on Jan. 1 in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>When a central bank, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, raises benchmark interest rates, businesses' borrowing costs also rise.</li><li>Investors tend to shift their money to safer assets, such as government bonds, amid uncertainty over corporate earnings.</li><li>Higher rates do not affect every corner of the market equally.</li></ul>As macroeconomic volatility continues to rise, the role of central banks is gaining more prominence. The markets not only react to changes in rates but also price in expectations of what the central banks might do next, in real time, as soon as any Fed Governor speaks or a key economic data point is released.Interest rates are the price of borrowing money. When central banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve raise interest rates, loans become more expensive for businesses and consumers.That means companies may spend less, earn less, and grow more slowly. As a result, some stock prices can fall. At the same time, safer investments like government bonds start offering better returns, so some investors move their money out of stocks.But higher interest rates don’t hurt every stock. Importantly, markets don’t just react to rate changes, but they respond to expectations.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Higher Rates Dent Corporate Profits</h2>When a central bank, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, raises benchmark interest rates, businesses' borrowing costs also rise. Businesses are forced to pay more on debt, while taking on additional debt becomes less attractive. As more cash flow is allocated to repayments, profit margins take a hit.At the same time, investors tend to shift their money to safer assets, such as government bonds. Pension funds, insurance companies, and conservative investors are often the first ones to make the changes to their portfolios.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Impact On Valuation</h2>To gauge valuation, Wall Street analysts often use a metric called discounted cash flow that estimates the present value of an investment based on a firm’s projected future cash flows. Higher interest rates increase the discount rate used in metrics like DCF, reducing the present value of future cash flows.As forecasts move, investors adjust what they’re prepared to pay for future growth, a process that can drag valuations and share prices lower.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Who Gets Impacted By Rate Revisions?</h2>Higher rates do not affect every corner of the market equally. Banks tend to get a lift because they can earn more on loans. But growth stocks often take a blow as their valuations tighten. Real estate and utilities, which depend heavily on borrowing, feel the pressure quickly. Consumer stocks can also slip as people rein in spending.However, elevated rates can also expose structural weaknesses in the financial system. In 2023, high interest rates played a role in the banking crisis that led to the failure of multiple U.S. lenders, including Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Do Markets Always Go Down During An Elevated Rate Cycle?</h2>During the most recent elevated interest rate cycle, the S&amp;P 500 still posted double-digit gains in 2023 and 2024 and is on track to repeat the feat in 2025. Yet over the past two years, the 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield has traded within a broad range of 3.6%- 5%.“Despite the highest interest rates in a decade, solid corporate earnings growth supports equity prices,” said Rob Haworth, senior investment strategy director with U.S. Bank Asset Management Group, in a note published in November. The growth stocks benefited from strong investor sentiment surrounding artificial intelligence.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/elon-musk-is-ramping-ai-compute-at-breakneck-speed/cL7BTsJREzG">Elon Musk Is Ramping AI Compute At Breakneck Speed — Inside xAI’s Expanding Data Center Footprint</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

The seal of the Federal Reserve is pictured before Fed Chairman Jerome Powell announced the Fed will leave interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

How Do Interest Rates Affect Stock Markets?

Interest rate decisions by central banks influence borrowing costs, investor sentiment, and stock valuations across Wall Street.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>U.S. equity markets are operating on regular business hours, with trading taking place between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET.</li><li>Investors will have the final opportunity to rebalance their portfolios before the turn of the year.</li></ul>As investors are set to close the books on another eventful year, many are wondering whether the stock market will be open on December 31.The answer is yes.Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be open on Dec. 31, the last trading day of the year. U.S. equity markets are operating on regular business hours, with trading taking place between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ET.While Dec. 31 falls just ahead of the New Year’s Day holiday, it is not a market holiday for U.S. equities. Investors will have one last opportunity to rebalance portfolios, book tax-related trades, or adjust positioning before the start of 2026. That said, trading volumes on the final day of the year are often lighter than usual, which can occasionally amplify price moves.<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/koyfin_20251230_055519239_png_923d55e78d.webp" alt="koyfin_20251230_055519239.png"><h2 class="st-heading-2">How Did US Markets Perform In 2025?</h2>As the curtain falls on 2025, U.S. equities are wrapping up a year marked by resilience, volatility, and shifting expectations around interest rates.The S&amp;P 500, as tracked by the SPY ETF, delivered strong annual returns, in large part due to robust corporate profits and continued enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. Several megacaps were, of course, significant drivers of index returns, but there were occasional broader-sector inclusions.The Nasdaq Composite, reflected in the performance of the QQQ ETF, continued to enjoy another strong year, notwithstanding year-end profit-taking in some high-growth tech shares in the latter half of the year. Artificial intelligence-related stocks, semiconductors, and cloud-related shares continue to be top contributors to the year's performance, while valuation concerns surfaced periodically.On the other hand, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was supported by continued gains in blue-chip stocks, especially those with stable cash flow and strong pricing power. Defensive industries like healthcare and consumer staples acted as a buffer for the index during periods of stock market turbulence.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/what-are-index-funds-and-why-do-they-matter/cL74tbMREUe">What Are Index Funds And Why Do They Matter?</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on April 07, 2025 in New York City.

Is The Stock Market Open On Dec 31? Here Are NYSE, Nasdaq Trading Hours On New Year’s Eve

As the curtain falls on 2025, U.S. equities are wrapping up a year marked by resilience, volatility, and shifting expectations around interest rates.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Index funds allow investors to own the market without trying to time it.&nbsp;</li><li>They are designed to mirror major market benchmarks, such as the S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq-100, rather than outperform them.</li><li>Their rule-based structure keeps costs low, making them a core building block for long-term investors.</li></ul>For decades, investors chased market-beating returns by picking the right stocks. Index funds flipped that idea on its head.These are investment structures designed to replicate the performance of a given market index, for example, the S&amp;P 500 Index, the Nasdaq-100 Index, or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The strategy here is not to beat the market by selecting which stocks to invest in, but to match market returns by investing in all the stocks in proportions similar to those of the given market index.These funds can be managed as mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), thereby catering to all types of investors. Since index funds operate according to rules rather than the judgment of a fund manager, they are considered passive investment vehicles.Popular ETFs like SPY and QQQ are examples of index funds that track the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq-100, respectively.<h2 class="st-heading-2">How Do Stock Index Funds Work?</h2>An index fund follows the principle of imitating the index structure of its targeted index. When an index adds or removes constituent stocks, depending on its companies, this index fund automatically adjusts its holdings to reflect those changes. It is usually an automatic, rare occurrence that helps keep operating costs low.Over the years, index funds have consistently outperformed most actively managed funds. This is mainly attributed to the lower costs and transaction amounts. For long-term investors, index funds have historically offered one of the most efficient ways to participate in overall market growth.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Risks of Index Funds</h2>Although index funds eliminate stock risk, these funds are still not risk-free. This is because these funds track a specific market index; therefore, they will fall in value during market downturns and not protect against downside market movements. There are also concentration risks in industries when a major index has a high concentration in sectors such as technology.Moreover, index funds do not actively seek to bypass overpriced stocks and profit from market inefficiencies in the short run.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Bottom Line</h2>Index funds play a central role in modern investing by offering low-cost, diversified, and transparent exposure to financial markets. Whether used as a core long-term holding or a building block in a broader strategy, they have become a foundational tool for investors seeking steady participation in market performance rather than trying to outperform it.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-ethereum-lead-m-crypto-liquidation-flush-as-altcoins-slide/cL748JYREUR">Bitcoin, Ethereum Lead $242M Crypto Liquidation Flush As Altcoins Slide</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

In this photo illustration, a smartphone screen shows a sharply falling chart of the S&P 500 index against a blurred stock-market background on November 21, 2025, in Chongqing, China. 

What Are Index Funds And Why Do They Matter?

Since index funds operate according to rules rather than the judgment of a fund manager, they are considered passive investment vehicles.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Stocks with betas higher than 1.0 are considered more volatile than the market, while stocks with betas lower than 1.0 are considered less volatile.</li><li>The beta of a stock is statistically calculated by comparing the stock’s historical performance with that of its benchmark index over a specific time period.</li><li>By combining high-beta and low-beta stocks, investors can better manage overall portfolio volatility.</li></ul>When markets rise or fall, some stocks barely budge while others swing wildly. Beta is the metric investors use to measure that difference, showing how sensitive a stock’s price is to broader market movements, typically expressed relative to a primary stock market index such as the S&amp;P 500.&nbsp;A stock’s beta value helps investors understand whether it tends to move more or less aggressively than the benchmark index they follow. By definition, the broader market has a beta of precisely 1.0. This means that if a stock also has a beta of 1.0, it is likely to move in line with the market.Stocks with betas higher than 1.0 are considered more volatile than the market, while stocks with betas lower than 1.0 are considered less volatile. The beta of a stock is statistically calculated by comparing the stock’s historical performance with that of its benchmark index over a specific time period. It is calculated using regression analysis to estimate how closely a stock’s returns track movements in the broader market.<h2 class="st-heading-2">How Beta Works</h2>Beta compares a stock’s historical price movements to a benchmark index over a set period, using statistical analysis.<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Beta = 1.0. The stock tends to move in line with the market</li><li>Beta &gt; 1.0. The stock experiences larger market movements, meaning more volatile than the market</li><li>Beta &lt; 1.0. The stock is less volatile than the market</li><li>Negative beta. Moves in the opposite direction of the market.</li></ul><h2 class="st-heading-2">Beta Example Using SPY</h2>SPY tracks the S&amp;P 500, so it effectively carries a beta of 1.0. If SPY rises 1%, a stock with a beta of 1.5 would be expected to rise about 1.5%If SPY falls 1%, that same stock could drop around 1.5%<h2 class="st-heading-2">Why Beta Matters To Investors</h2>For investors, beta serves as a tool to evaluate how a stock may perform under different market conditions, particularly its responsiveness to overall market movements.<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Risk tolerance: Conservative investors may prefer low-beta stocks, which tend to be less volatile and less sensitive to market swings.</li><li>Growth strategies: Investors seeking higher returns may consider high-beta stocks, while remaining mindful of the elevated risks involved.</li><li>Beta also helps investors understand how adding a particular stock could affect a portfolio's overall risk. By combining high-beta and low-beta stocks, investors can better manage overall portfolio volatility.</li></ul>Beta is also a key component of the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), a widely used financial framework that links expected returns to risk. Under CAPM, expected returns increase with beta, reflecting investors’ demand for higher compensation as risk rises.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Limitations &amp; What Beta Doesn’t Tell You</h2>Although beta is a valuable metric, it has several limitations investors should consider:<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Backward-looking: Beta is based on historical data and may not accurately predict future price behavior, especially if a company’s business model changes.</li><li>Measures only market-related risk: It does not account for company-specific risks such as management changes, regulatory developments, or earnings surprises.</li><li>Benchmark dependency: Beta depends on the chosen benchmark index, and using an inappropriate index can lead to misleading conclusions.</li></ul>Because of these limitations, beta is most effective when used alongside other metrics, such as fundamentals, earnings growth, and qualitative analysis, rather than as a standalone investment criterion.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/gold-silver-return-comparison-nvidia-apple-amazon/cL75sw1REDy">Gold, Silver Surge In 2025: How Did It Compare With Nvidia, Apple And Amazon?</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

 Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on December 02, 2025 in New York City. After losing over 400 points on the first day of December, the market began to recover with the Dow up over 120 points in morning trading. 

What Is Beta in Investing And How Does It Measure Stock Risk?

A stock’s beta value helps investors understand whether it tends to move more or less aggressively than the benchmark index they follow.

In 2025, gold and silver have seen one of the most spectacular runs in recent years. Silver, in particular, has seen prices soar to new record highs above $80 per ounce, with a year-to-date gain of more than 163%. However, prices have retreated somewhat due to profit-taking and easing tensions. Gold prices, too, have risen by over 70% this year, approaching levels seen in the late 1970s.The precious metals surge was catalyzed by a series of macro trends, including expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, geopolitical risks, and structural supply deficits, especially in silver.&nbsp;Central bank purchases of gold and retail investor demand were additional factors that fueled the surge in metals amid heightened volatility in the broader market. While conventional equity and defensive assets posted decent gains in 2025, precious metals raced ahead by a wide margin.<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/w_GI_5_Y_how_gold_silver_fared_against_tech_giants_nbsp_1_png_5a6f00c309.webp" alt="wGI5Y-how-gold-silver-fared-against-tech-giants-nbsp- (1).png"><h2 class="st-heading-2">How The Big 5 U.S. Companies Performed In 2025</h2>For the sake of clarity, “Big 5” refers to the five largest U.S. firms by market capitalization in 2025. These include Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, and Amazon, all of which have been closely tracked by the market.NVIDIA Tested $5T Market CapitalizationNVIDIA Corp. jumped 42% this year, as demand for AI semiconductors skyrocketed. The company became the first public firm to reach a market capitalization of $4 trillion and briefly topped $5 trillion. This meteoric growth was driven by the explosive expansion of generative AI and data center spending, making Nvidia the “spine” of AI infrastructure. Strong quarterly performances helped alleviate valuation concerns.Apple Stock Surged Nearly 10% This Year&nbsp;Apple’s stock delivered relatively muted gains compared with its peers. At times, it underperformed the broader market due to investor concerns over the company’s slower pace of AI adoption. While Apple continued to post strong profits due to its strong products and services ecosystem, investors were cautious about its AI strategy, which was a key market narrative in 2025.Alphabet Soared 66% In 2025The year 2025 proved favorable for Alphabet, as its stock reached record highs toward the end of the year, partly due to its AI strategy expanding beyond search into cloud services and Gemini AI models. Momentum in AI-related investments and rising cloud revenues contributed to positive investor sentiment, placing Alphabet among the better-performing tech giants during the year.Microsoft Saw 15% Gains This Year&nbsp;Microsoft’s stock posted solid gains, though not as dramatic as those of Nvidia or Alphabet. Nevertheless, the company remained among the most valuable in the world. Continued success in cloud computing and AI services, including Azure and Copilot, supported the stock, even as investors balanced near-term AI profit expectations with longer-term growth prospects.Amazon Rose Just 6% In 2025Amazon lagged some of its Magnificent Seven peers in 2025. While AWS remained a key growth engine, retail and broader e-commerce challenges, along with increased competition in the cloud sector, moderated Amazon’s equity gains relative to the stronger AI-driven rallies elsewhere.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/palantir-outperformed-vs-nvidia-microsoft-ai-stocks-2025/cL75psZREDr">Palantir Crushed Nvidia, Microsoft And Most AI Stocks In 2025 — And Investors Didn’t Care About Valuation</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

A fine gold bar with the number 999.99 on it.

Gold, Silver Surge In 2025: How Did It Compare With Nvidia, Apple And Amazon?

The precious metals surge was catalyzed by a series of macro trends, including expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, geopolitical risks, and structural supply deficits.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Meme stocks generally attract interest from retail traders on social media platforms and forums.</li><li>Short squeezes can lie at the center of many meme-stock rallies; if a heavily shorted stock starts to climb, short sellers may be forced to cover their positions.</li><li>Meme stocks are known for extreme volatility, with prices that can surge multiple times in just days and collapse just as quickly once sentiment fades.</li></ul>A meme stock pertains to a publicly traded company whose stock price is driven mainly by internet hype and retail investor sentiment rather than by economic fundamentals such as earnings growth, valuation metrics, or balance-sheet strength.The term came into prominence during the pandemic-era market rallies, when stocks like GameStop and AMC soared after going viral on online trading communities. Media outlets have consistently described meme-stock movements as sentiment-driven trades, fueled by digital investor coordination rather than corporate performance.<h2 class="st-heading-2">How Do Meme Stocks Work?</h2>Meme stocks generally draw interest on social media platforms and forums from retail traders, who focus on a single ticker. These stocks see sharp price jumps and unusually high trading volumes amid intense discussions by retail traders.In any case, when momentum builds, price action itself becomes the leading driver, attracting more traders, regardless of the fundamentals.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Why Do Meme Stocks Rise So Fast?</h2>Meme stocks could surge rapidly due to crowd psychology and market mechanics.&nbsp; Short squeezes can also be at the center of many meme stock rallies. If a heavily shorted stock starts to climb, bearish investors may be forced to square off their positions, adding upward pressure on the stock and accelerating gains.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Risks And Volatility Of Meme Stocks</h2>Meme stocks are known for extreme volatility. Prices can surge multiple times in just days and can collapse just as quickly once sentiment fades. Late entrants often face steep losses when momentum reverses.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Meme Stocks vs Traditional Investing</h2>Traditional investing relies on long-term fundamentals such as revenue growth, profitability, competitive advantage, and economic outlook. Meme stock trading is short-term and primarily narrative-driven, as prices respond more to online buzz rather than financial results.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/top-5-us-consumer-staples-stocks-by-market-value/cLeUJ4YREwn">Walmart, Costco Lead Consumer Staples By Market Cap In 2025</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

What Are Meme Stocks?

The term came into prominence during the pandemic-era market rallies, when stocks like GameStop and AMC soared after going viral on online trading communities.

As 2025 winds down, the U.S. consumer staples industry remains an essential component of the overall market, driven by unrelenting demand.&nbsp;However, this year the sector had to grapple with a volatile U.S. tariff policy. This affected the margins for even the industry’s largest players, forcing companies to raise prices, streamline operations, and rethink sourcing strategies.Stocktwits takes a look at the top five consumer staples companies in the U.S. according to their market value.<img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/e_VX_9_Z_top_5_us_consumer_staple_firms_by_market_value_png_5a56959637.webp" alt="eVX9Z-top-5-us-consumer-staple-firms-by-market-value-.png">Walmart Inc.YTD Performance: &nbsp;23.5%Market Value: $889.85 BillionWalmart Inc. owns and operates the world's largest retail chain, selling groceries, household items, electronics, clothing, and other goods. The firm was established in 1962 and is based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Walmart Inc. has diversified its membership services through Sam’s Club and improved its online services.Walmart boosted its 2025 sales and earnings forecasts after reporting that comparable U.S. sales exceeded market expectations, driven by strong performance in its brick-and-mortar stores and digital grocery channels. The retailer further indicated that it intends to shift its shares from the NYSE to the Nasdaq. However, the company has been facing pressure on margins and inventory costs, both impacted by tariffs and supply chain disruptions.Costco Wholesale CorpYTD Performance: -4.9%Market Value: $387.07 BillionCostco Wholesale operates a worldwide membership warehouse club. It sells a wide range of general merchandise and food items to members at low prices. The company is headquartered in Issaquah, Washington. The big-box retailer was founded in 1983 and operates a bulk-selling model with minimal markup.In late 2025, Costco topped earnings and revenue estimates and attracted increased consumer demand for its essential products ahead of the holiday season. Its focus on its Kirkland Signature brand has also drawn consumers.Even with strong results, the retailer has also been grappling with rising merchandise expenses and supply-chain tariff pressures. Costco is now seeking refunds for tariffs in light of recent policy changes.Procter &amp; Gamble Co.YTD Performance: -13.8%Market Value: $338.17 BillionProcter &amp; Gamble, founded in 1837 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, distributes its products in more than 180 countries worldwide. In 2025, P&amp;G announced an extensive restructuring plan to eliminate around 7,000 jobs over the next two years, and to optimize and exit its less-performing categories due to tariffs and sluggish consumer demand.The company is also increasing prices on some of its offerings to mitigate rising costs from U.S. tariffs. It is further fine-tuning its brand offerings to enhance its profitability. The leadership has indicated that this period of uncertainty is prompting P&amp;G to focus its strategic thinking on its key brands to log growth through 2026.The Coca-Cola CoYTD Performance: 12.6%Market Value: $301.73 BillionCoca-Cola is a worldwide beverage market leader, famous for its popular brands, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and health-oriented brands. Established in the year 1892, its headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia. It has operations in more than 200 nations worldwide.In 2025, Coca-Cola surprised the market with revenue growth and EPS performance above expectations, driven by higher product pricing. This move into newer categories, like Coke's cane sugar variants in the U.S., represents the innovative development of offerings aligned with consumer preferences.On the other hand, Coke also has to cope with slower growth in total package volume in specific geographies as young people increasingly demand healthier options.PepsiCoYTD Performance: -5.5%Market Value: $196.79 BillionPepsiCo is a global snack and beverage company that owns several popular brands, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Lay’s, Doritos, and Gatorade. It was established in 1898 and is based in the town of Purchase. PepsiCo revealed a technology collaboration with Amazon Web Services in 2025 to use AI to improve its supply chains.However, the company reduced its 2025 profit forecast due to trade tensions, higher costs, and lower consumer volumes in key categories. PepsiCo is still struggling with the effects of competition from rivals and evolving consumer tastes.Also See: <a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/top-5-us-auto-companies-by-market-value/cLeUEXBREwg">From Tesla To Lucid: The Top 5 US Auto Firms By Market Value</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

A customer shops for produce at an H-E-B grocery store on February 12, 2025 in Austin, Texas.

Walmart, Costco Lead Consumer Staples By Market Cap In 2025

This year, the sector had to grapple with a volatile U.S. tariff policy, which has weighed on margins across retailers and packaged-goods giants.