Nasdaq 100 Set for a Subdued Year-End Finish

As 2025 draws to a close, the Nasdaq 100 is consolidating its substantial gains. The index, which has rallied more than 21 percent this year, lacked fresh catalysts on the final trading day. Holiday-thinned trading volumes continue to dominate market activity as investors position their portfolios for the new year.

Technical Picture Holds Steady

From a technical perspective, the index is trading within a narrow band. Support is holding at the 25,369 level, while resistance sits at 25,835 points. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains in a neutral zone around 50-55, reflecting the current absence of strong directional momentum. A positive signal is that the long-term uptrend structure remains intact, with the index holding above its key moving averages.

Mixed Performance Among Major Tech Stocks

The latest trading session revealed diverging fortunes for the index’s heavyweight constituents. Meta Platforms gained 1.1 percent following its acquisition of the AI startup Manus for $2 billion. Conversely, Tesla shares came under pressure, declining 1.2 percent amid growing concerns over potentially weaker delivery figures for the fourth quarter.

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Intel was a notable advancer, climbing 1.7 percent after confirming a strategic stake sale to Nvidia. Nvidia itself saw a slight pullback, consolidating after its recent strong performance.

Final Trading Day Outlook

Market participants anticipate a quiet yet potentially volatile environment for today’s year-end session. The prevailing low liquidity could spark sporadic, surprising price swings, especially if portfolio managers execute last-minute adjustments before the closing bell. U.S. equity markets will operate on a regular schedule, closing at 4:00 p.m. local time, while the bond market concludes trading earlier at 2:00 p.m.