On December 20, 2024, the S&P 500 closed at 5,930.85, up 1.1%, as cooling inflation data brought a wave of optimism to the markets, easing fears of aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes. Tesla surged 4.2%, fueled by strong year-end delivery projections, while Carnival Corporation climbed 3.8%, lifted by holiday travel demand. On the downside, Moderna slipped 2.4%, with softer demand for COVID-19 boosters. The day’s standout performers were the Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors, propelled by excitement around innovation and travel trends. As the year winds down, all eyes are on holiday retail sales and corporate updates to shape the market’s direction heading into 2025.