Wall Street Futures Tick Higher Ahead of Key U.S. GDP Data

Wall Street futures inched slightly higher on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, as investors waited for the final major U.S. economic data of the year — the preliminary third‑quarter gross domestic product (GDP) report. Traders are watching closely because the delayed GDP figures, pushed back by a recent government shutdown, could influence expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts next year. Economists expect the U.S. economy to have grown at an annualised rate of around 3.3% in Q3, driven by strong consumer spending and business investment, which could suggest continued economic resilience. A rebound in technology stocks and a softer‑than‑expected inflation report have supported broad gains in the market in recent sessions, pushing the S&P 500 within about 0.5% of its December 11 record high. Market participants are also awaiting December consumer confidence data later in the day. Traders currently price in at least two 25‑basis‑point interest rate cuts in 2026, with the first possibly as soon as January. Despite light trading volume ahead of the holidays, all three major indexes — the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq — are on track for their third consecutive annual gain, with gains in tech and communication services sectors leading performance. “Santa Claus rally” sentiment persists as the year ends, while volatility remains low. Precious metal miners and safe‑haven assets also extended gains amid subdued market conditions. #WallStreet #GPDPending #MarketSentiment #InterestRates #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM