S&P 500 closes with three consecutive gains, 2025 annual increase of 16%, continuing the bull market resilience

On the final trading day of 2025, U.S. stocks traded lightly, with the S&P 500 index closing down 0.7%, all sectors weakening, failing to bring about a "Santa Claus rally." Trading volume on that day shrank by approximately 45% compared to the 20-day moving average.

Despite the lackluster performance at the close, the S&P 500 rose 16% for the year, marking its third consecutive year of annual gains, with the previous two years exceeding 20%. On the same day, the Nasdaq 100 index fell 0.8%, the seven major U.S. tech giants index declined 0.7%, and the short-term correction in the tech sector did not shake the overall market's annual upward trend.

Looking back at the year, the market experienced a sharp pullback in April after Trump introduced unexpectedly strict tariffs. However, the market later digested the policy impacts, combined with a recovery in corporate earnings, and regained its upward momentum, ultimately achieving three consecutive gains despite pressures.