Stock Market Today: U.S. Futures Dip on Christmas Eve as S&P 500 Holds Record High and GDP Surprise Trims Rate‑Cut Bets
The S&P 500 closed at a record 6,909.79 Tuesday, while U.S. stock futures edged lower early Wednesday ahead of a holiday-shortened session. A strong third-quarter GDP reading at 4.3% and persistent inflation are clouding the outlook for Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026. The NYSE will close at 1 p.m. ET, with U.S. markets shut Thursday for Christmas. Key government data releases were delayed by a federal shutdown.