US stock markets kicked off 2026 on a mixed note, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing higher, even as the much-anticipated Santa Claus rally remained elusive. The blue-chip Dow gained 319.10 points, or 0.66 percent, to settle at 48,382.39, supported by buying in select industrial and value stocks.
The broader S&P 500 edged up 12.97 points, or 0.19 percent, ending the session at 6,858.47, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slipped marginally, losing 6.36 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 23,235.63.
Market participants remained cautious despite the positive start to the new year, as investors continued to assess the economic outlook, interest rate expectations, and corporate earnings prospects. The lack of a traditional year-end Santa Claus rally highlights lingering uncertainty around growth and monetary policy, even as select segments of the market show resilience.
