S&P 500 Hits Record Highs as Market Sentiment Improves
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 24 2025
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Source: Benzinga
- Strong Market Performance: The S&P 500 index rose 0.2% in a shortened trading session before Christmas, surpassing 6,920 points and achieving a year-to-date gain of 17%, indicating a rebound in investor confidence and setting the stage for a fifth consecutive day of gains.
- Reduced Volatility: The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) fell to 13.7, the lowest level since mid-December 2024, suggesting a decrease in market anxiety that could attract more investors into the market.
- Notable Stock Performances: Nike and Sandisk both gained approximately 5%, with Nike benefiting from CEO Tim Cook's disclosure of purchasing 50,000 shares, highlighting how executive confidence can positively influence stock prices.
- Bank Stocks Continue to Rise: Citigroup advanced for the sixth consecutive session, marking sixteen gains in the past seventeen sessions, reflecting the strong performance of major bank stocks, which may further propel the overall market upward.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for AAPL is 299.69 USD with a low forecast of 230.00 USD and a high forecast of 350.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
32 Analyst Rating
19 Buy
11 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 256.440
Low
230.00
Averages
299.69
High
350.00
Current: 256.440
Low
230.00
Averages
299.69
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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