Index futures exhibited minimal variation during Wednesday’s premarket trading following the S&P 500’s achievement of a record high, as robust economic growth data bolstered confidence in the U.S. economy. S&P 500 Futures exhibited little movement at 6,957 points, whereas Nasdaq 100 Futures experienced a decline of 0.1%, settling at 25,796.5 points as of 05:50. Dow Jones Futures remained stable at 48,735.0 points.

Anticipations suggest that trading volumes will continue to be subdued as markets navigate a week shortened by holidays. U.S. stock exchanges are set to close early at 1 p.m. on Wednesday in observance of Christmas Eve, and will remain closed on Thursday for Christmas Day. Market experiences gains driven by robust Q3 GDP figures and the onset of the Santa Claus rally.

Market concluded the regular session with gains. The S&P 500 advanced approximately 0.5% to achieve a record closing high, buoyed by increases in technology and growth stocks, while the NASDAQ Composite rose by 0.6% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a 0.2% uptick. Investors found optimism in data indicating that the U.S. economy expanded at a vigorous rate during the third quarter. Gross domestic product expanded at an annualised rate of 4.3%, exceeding projections. Although the robust reading momentarily elevated Treasury yields, equity markets seemed relatively unaffected, as traders interpreted the data as retrospective and improbable to disrupt the overarching policy trajectory.

In the energy market, investors evaluated new inventory data. Figures released late Tuesday indicated that U.S. crude oil stockpiles increased by approximately 2.4 million barrels in the week ending Dec. 19, defying expectations for a draw and representing a shift from the significant decrease reported the previous week. Market participants are currently anticipating the forthcoming report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, scheduled for release later today. This report is expected to offer additional insights into refinery operations, fuel consumption, and the broader supply landscape.

Markets are also entering the period often referred to as the “Santa Claus rally,” a seasonal phenomenon that describes the tendency for U.S. stocks to rise during the final five trading days of December and the first two sessions of January. The gains observed this week have thus far maintained the integrity of the seasonal narrative. In light of the robust growth data, the anticipation surrounding a potential easing of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve remains predominantly stable. Interest-rate futures suggest that traders continue to expect rate cuts in 2026, despite a robust economy and persistent inflationary pressures.