Market Sways Amid Uncertain Year-End Landscape

Wall Street experienced a dip in light trading amid a busy year's end. Investors, wary of economic factors and geopolitical tensions, adopted a cautious approach. Led by soaring tech stocks and AI investments, indices showed gains. The departure of Biden and Trump's re-election further stirred economic dynamics.

Wall Street closed lower on Monday amid light trading, as the U.S. stock market winds down an eventful year. Contributing factors included tax planning, rising Treasury yields, and future uncertainties, pushing all three major indexes over 0.5% down.

Tech and AI promises resulted in significant gains, notably Nvidia's 180% rise and its replacement of Intel in the Dow Jones. Sectors like technology and consumer discretionary boasted nearly 30% gains, while the materials sector lagged.

Amid geopolitical tensions and former President Trump's legal and political developments, investors anticipate more volatility in 2025, though lower taxes and regulatory changes offer hope for mid-single-digit returns.

(With inputs from agencies.)