By Steve Kopack
Publication Date: 2026-01-02 16:13:00
US stocks start 2026 in a similar way to 2025.
Artificial intelligence stocks jumped on Friday while the rest of the market was mixed. The S&P 500 ended the session slightly higher, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq closed marginally lower and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained about 0.6%, or 319 points.
The AI boom, which fueled much of investors’ stock gains in 2025, is likely to remain an important theme for markets next year, albeit one that is the subject of ongoing skepticism. Analysts also expect global growth and the likelihood of falling interest rates to boost U.S. stocks.
“Most financial assets performed decently in 2025, with global equities, bonds, credit and (emerging market) assets all having a strong year,” Jim Reid, global head of macro research and thematic strategy at Deutsche Bank, wrote on Friday.
“This has been driven by continued global growth, continued optimism about the potential of AI and further central banks…
