The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) posted a significant gain today, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, rising by 664.18 points (+1.43%) to close at 47112.45. This robust performance for the blue-chip index was largely driven by increasing market expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in December. Mixed economic data, including weaker-than-expected September U.S. retail sales and disappointing November consumer confidence, bolstered the case for monetary easing, with the CME FedWatch tool indicating an over 80% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut next month.
Amidst the broader market's positive sentiment, the artificial intelligence (AI) sector experienced notable divergence. While some AI-related stocks continued upward, Nvidia (NVDA) emerged as a significant drag, falling -3.43%. This decline was primarily attributed to reports suggesting Meta Platforms (META) is considering purchasing AI chips from Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google, intensifying competition. Conversely, Alphabet (GOOGL) saw continued gains, fueled by excitement surrounding its recently unveiled Gemini 3 AI model.
Among Dow components, Merck (MRK) led gainers with a +4.29% increase, followed by Home Depot (HD) climbing +4.10%. Other strong performers included Nike (NKE) rising +3.07%, Salesforce (CRM) up +2.68%, and Walmart (WMT) increasing +2.58%. On the downside, besides Nvidia (NVDA), Chevron (CVX) declined -0.50%, Coca-Cola (KO) fell -0.44%, and IBM (IBM) was down -0.21%.
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.