US stock market closes 2025 with gains despite final-day declines
US stock markets closed out 2025 with slight declines on the final trading day. Despite minor losses, the major indices recorded strong annual gains, including a 21% rise for the Nasdaq 100. Meanwhile, an unexpected drop in jobless claims added to market uncertainty.
On December 31, 2025, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped by 0.15%, ending at 48,292.85 points. The S&P 500 also saw a modest decline of 0.14%, finishing at 6,886.81 points. The tech-focused Nasdaq 100 fell by 0.16%, closing at 25,421.49 points.
Trading remained quiet in the final days of the year as investors wrapped up their books. With no major news driving activity, markets saw little movement. Still, the Nasdaq 100 posted a 21% gain for 2025, while the Dow Jones rose by 13% and the S&P 500 climbed over 16%. Elsewhere, Nike’s shares jumped more than 4% after reports that CEO Elliott Hill had bought $1 million worth of company stock. The move came as a surprise, though no other unusual activity in Nike’s share price was noted. Adding to market uncertainty, US initial jobless claims fell unexpectedly by 16,000 to 199,000. The drop caught analysts off guard, leaving traders cautious as the year ended.
The US stock market finished 2025 with small daily losses but strong yearly growth. The Nasdaq 100 led with a 21% increase, while the Dow Jones and S&P 500 also saw double-digit gains. Meanwhile, Nike’s CEO purchase and a surprise drop in jobless claims kept investors watching closely.
