2025-12-29 US Stock Indices Movement: S&P 500 Slips Amid Profit-Taking, Fed Minutes Anticipation

On December 29, 2025, U.S. stock indices exhibited mixed movement: the S&P 500 declined 0.09% while the Nasdaq edged up marginally 0.09%[0]. Two primary factors drove this dynamic: first, profit-taking activity, as both indices had recorded strong year-to-date gains (16.84% for the S&P 500, 20.77% for the Nasdaq) through December 29[0]. Second, trader caution ahead of the December 30 release of Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which could reveal insights into 2025 monetary policy and shape market outlook[1]. Tech stocks displayed mixed performance: TSLA fell 0.85%, META dropped 0.30%, and AMZN declined 0.19%, yet the broader Tech sector still managed a slight 0.03% gain, indicating underlying sector resilience[0].

The divergent index movement reflects a balance between profit-taking pressure (which impacted the S&P 500 more acutely) and ongoing support from the tech sector, which buoyed the Nasdaq[0]. The market’s focus on Fed minutes underscores the continued influence of monetary policy expectations on 2025 stock market sentiment, as investors seek clarity on potential interest rate changes[1].

• Risks
  : Near-term volatility could persist as traders continue profit-taking into the end of 2025, and uncertainty lingers around the Fed’s policy outlook following the minutes release[0][1].
• Opportunities
  : The slight overall gain in the Tech sector, despite weakness in individual large-cap stocks, signals potential for sectoral resilience if the Fed minutes deliver favorable policy hints[0].

• Event Date
  : December 29, 2025
• Index Performance
  : S&P 500 (-0.09%), Nasdaq (+0.09%)
• Drivers
  : Profit-taking on YTD gains, anticipation of Federal Reserve meeting minutes
• Tech Stock Performance
  : TSLA (-0.85%), META (-0.30%), AMZN (-0.19%); broader Tech sector (+0.03%)
• Upcoming Catalyst
  : December 30 release of Federal Reserve meeting minutes