The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Monday, Dec, 22 2025

US stock futures are pointing higher this morning, with E mini S&P 500 contracts up about 0.3 percent as investors juggle stronger housing data and stubborn inflation expectations. Existing home sales ticked up 0.5 percent in November to a nine month high, a sign that higher mortgage rates are not fully freezing the housing market. This matters for construction jobs and household wealth. At the same time, a key consumer confidence survey shows people still expect inflation of about 4.2 percent over the next year, keeping pressure on interest rates and bond yields. That leaves investors asking whether rate sensitive areas like real estate and utilities will lag while growth and technology names stay in favor.

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Top Movers

• CoreWeave (CRWV) jumped 22.64 percent after joining the Department of Energy's high profile Genesis Mission.
• Rocket Lab (RKLB) surged 17.69 percent on enthusiasm around its latest successful launch and bullish analyst commentary.
• AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) climbed 15.03 percent as investors cheered progress toward its next satellite launch milestone.

Is Rocket Lab still a smart investment or just hype? Read our most popular narrative and get all the answers you need.

Top Losers

• NIKE (NKE) sank 10.54 percent after earnings showed weaker profit and cautious guidance despite flat sales.
• Carvana (CVNA) slipped 3.33 percent as traders digested mixed index changes and recent analyst sentiment.
• Lowe's Companies (LOW) declined 2.93 percent amid concerns about housing-linked spending and big-ticket home improvement demand.

Look past the noise - uncover the top narrative that explains what truly matters for Lowe's Companies' long-term success.

On The Radar

Global rate expectations and fresh US growth data will drive the next moves in yields and equity leadership.

• US Q3 GDP second estimate on Monday will test the soft-landing narrative and could quickly reset rate cut timing.
• US inflation expectations from the Michigan survey stay in focus Monday as sticky pricing power keeps bond yields elevated.
• Bank of Japan minutes on Tuesday may hint at eventual tightening, a shift that could pull US yields higher.
• Reserve Bank of Australia minutes on Tuesday will influence global tightening odds as Aussie 10-year yields hover near two-year highs.
• PBOC policy stance through China commentary this week will signal how aggressively Beijing may support 2026 growth.

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Where Are The Opportunities Now?

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.