The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) was up 385.89 (0.8191%) points today, extending a multi-day rally as investors anticipate a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in December. This market optimism is largely driven by recent mixed economic data, including lower-than-expected jobless claims and a sharp decline in consumer confidence for November, which has strengthened expectations for the central bank to continue its accommodative monetary policy to support the economy. Futures for the Dow also indicated positive sentiment, with Dow Futures (YM=F) up 371.00 (0.7864%) points.
The main narrative driving the market on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025, was the increasing probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut by the Federal Reserve next month. Traders are currently pricing in an 80-85% chance of such a move, fueled by a series of economic reports suggesting a cooling economy. This sentiment has overshadowed concerns about mixed corporate earnings and a shortened trading week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Among the Dow's components, several stocks posted significant gains. Leading the advancers were Boeing (BA), up 2.58%, Walmart (WMT), rising 2.29%, and Microsoft (MSFT), which climbed 1.96%. Other notable gainers included Goldman Sachs (GS) with a 1.66% increase and Home Depot (HD) up 1.51%. Conversely, Salesforce (CRM) was the biggest laggard, declining 2.68%. Other notable losers included IBM (IBM), down 0.39%, and Merck (MRK), which fell 0.24%. Procter & Gamble (PG) also saw a 0.20% dip, and 3M (MMM) was marginally down by 0.02%.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.