Wall Street Ends Mixed as US Economic Data Looms

Web Editor

December 16, 2025

a view of a stock market with people working on their computers and on their phones and on their pho

Overview of Tuesday’s Market Performance

On Tuesday, the major indices on Wall Street concluded with mixed results as investors adjusted their portfolios following the release of the non-farm payroll report. Market participants are now awaiting Thursday’s inflation data and comments from Federal Reserve (Fed) members regarding the future of monetary policy.

Key Index Movements

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: The index, comprising 30 large company stocks, fell 0.62% to 48,114.26 points.
  • S&P 500: The index of the top 500 companies dropped 0.24% to 6,800.21 points.
  • Nasdaq Composite: The technology-focused index rose 0.23% to 23,111.46 units, ending a three-day losing streak.

Employment Data and Fed’s Impact on Market Sentiment

The employment data provided clarity on the labor market’s condition after a recent government shutdown deprived investors and the Fed of official figures. The central bank acknowledged widespread signals of a weakening labor market when it lowered interest rates last week.

Trump’s Interview with Fed Governor Christopher Waller

According to the Wall Street Journal, President Trump will interview Fed Governor Christopher Waller for the position of Fed president on Wednesday.

Sector-Specific Developments

In the healthcare sector, Pfizer shares declined after the pharmaceutical company forecasted a challenging 2026 due to weakening COVID-19 product sales and reduced margins.

Mexican Markets Reflect Market Uncertainty

The persistent uncertainty surrounding interest rate cuts and concerns about high valuations of technology stocks continued to weigh on the market’s mood. Mexican equity markets closed lower on Tuesday, recording their second consecutive drop.

  • S&P/BMV IPC: The leading index of the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV), which groups the most traded local stocks, fell 1.70% to 63,230.87 points.
  • FTSE BIVA: The index of the Institutional Securities Market (BIVA) dropped 1.75% to 1,252.82 units.

Most stocks on the BMV closed lower, with notable declines in Banorte (-4.37% to 166.86 pesos), Banco del Bajío (-4.31% to 47.29 pesos), and Genomma Lab (-3.07% to 18.02 pesos).

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: What were the main movements in Wall Street indices on Tuesday?

    A: The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.62%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.24%, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.23%. The Dow Jones and S&P 500 experienced their third consecutive day of losses, while the Nasdaq ended a three-day losing streak.

  • Q: How did employment data affect market sentiment?

    A: The employment data offered clarity on the labor market’s condition following a government shutdown that left investors and the Fed without official figures. The Fed acknowledged widespread signals of a weakening labor market when it lowered interest rates last week.

  • Q: What is the significance of Trump’s interview with Fed Governor Christopher Waller?

    A: President Trump will interview Fed Governor Christopher Waller for the position of Fed president, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

  • Q: How did Mexican markets perform on Tuesday?

    A: Mexican equity markets closed lower, with the S&P/BMV IPC falling 1.70% and the FTSE BIVA dropping 1.75%. Most stocks on the BMV closed with losses, including Banorte, Banco del Bajío, and Genomma Lab.