In today’s episode of The Morning After Market Brief, Wall Street delivered a standout performance as the Dow Jones and S&P 500 climbed to fresh record highs while major technology and AI stocks retreated. Investors shifted money out of high growth tech names and into economically sensitive sectors following the Federal Reserve’s latest policy move. The Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points, which brought the federal funds rate to a range of 3.5% to 3.75% and strengthened expectations for easier financial conditions in 2026.

Weekly jobless claims rose sharply, although economists viewed the increase as a temporary reversal of holiday-related distortions. Treasury yields moved lower in response to the Fed decision and the latest labour data. European equities advanced across the board, while Asia-Pacific markets finished mostly lower due to concerns about potential new United States penalties on Chinese technology firms. Commodity markets were mixed, with oil prices declining and precious metals rallying as gold edged higher and silver surged nearly 3% on strong buying interest.

Currency markets reflected broad pressure on the United States dollar. The Euro, Pound, and Swiss Franc all strengthened, while USDJPY eased slightly but continued to trade within a well-supported uptrend. In individual stock action, Oracle fell sharply after disappointing quarterly results which triggered selling across the wider tech sector. By contrast, Gemini Space Station, Visa, and Planet Labs recorded strong gains. Rezolute collapsed after a failed drug trial and Oxford Industries slid after cutting its 2026 earnings forecast.

The overall message for investors is that confidence is growing in the resilience of the United States economy. The rotation into cyclical areas of the market suggests that many traders believe the groundwork for a potential Santa Claus rally may already be forming as the year nears its end.

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