[S&P 500 Hits Record High, Market Anticipates 'Santa Claus Rally' Supporting U.S. Stocks] On December 26, the S&P 500 Index extended its gains in light holiday trading, reaching a historic high. NVIDIA's stock price rose as analysts expressed optimism about its licensing agreement with artificial intelligence startup Groq. Market sentiment was buoyed by seasonal patterns, with investors focusing on the 'Santa Claus Rally' that typically occurs from the end of the year into the beginning of the next. Piper Sandler's Chief Market Technician Craig Johnson stated that the market is expected to maintain a structural trend in the final four trading days, though it may become more fragmented. This outlook is supported by broader market participation and easing inflation.