U.S. equities opened a holiday-shortened week on firmer footing as investors leaned back into large-cap technology and AI-linked names. On Monday in New York, the S&P 500 rose 0.64% to 6,878.49, while the Nasdaq added 0.52% to 23,428.83 and the Dow gained 0.47% to 48,362.68.
The catalyst was a renewed bid for semis and AI infrastructure after a volatile early-December tape. According to a broad sector advance, nearly all 11 S&P sectors finished higher, with materials up 1.4% and energy up 1.1% as commodities strengthened.
- Nvidia rose on expectations it could resume China-bound shipments of its H200 AI chips by mid-February, as reported by Reuters.
- Micron climbed about 4% after upbeat outlook commentary, cited in CNBC’s session recap.
Immediate impact. Risk appetite looks steady, not euphoric. The VIX closed at 14.08, its lowest close in about a year, per Reuters, which suggests investors are not paying up for near-term protection even as year-end positioning intensifies.
Next steps likely hinge on whether the rally can broaden beyond AI and whether thin holiday liquidity exaggerates price action. Keep in mind U.S. markets close early Wednesday and shut Thursday, as noted by CNBC, which can amplify both breakouts and reversals.
Positioning for the last week of the year is about discipline. If leadership stays concentrated in chips and mega-cap software, treat breadth and volatility as your risk gauges, not the headlines.
