Key Takeaways
- Major U.S. stock indices closed significantly higher on Monday, November 24, 2025, with the Nasdaq Composite leading the charge, gaining 2.70% to close at 22,873.56. The S&P 500 rose 1.57% to 6,706.71, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.42% to 46,440.93.
- Bitcoin is struggling to recover, trading near $88,000 amidst a weak broader crypto market, rising downside bets, negative funding rates, and heavy losses from short-term holders.
- The EU rejected a U.S. demand to ease tech rules in exchange for lower steel tariffs, highlighting ongoing transatlantic trade tensions.
- President Trump engaged in a productive one-hour call with Chinese President Xi Jinping that included trade discussions, while the White House indicated Trump is pressuring both Putin and Zelenskiy regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Freddie Mac set its 2026 multifamily loan purchase cap at $88 billion, providing clarity for the housing finance market.
U.S. Equities Post Strong Gains
U.S. stock markets experienced a robust trading session on Monday, November 24, 2025, with all three major indices closing in positive territory. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite surged by 600.48 points, or 2.70%, to finish at 22,873.56. The S&P 500 also saw significant gains, rising 103.72 points, or 1.57%, to reach 6,706.71. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced by 195.52 points, or 0.42%, closing at 46,440.93. These gains come as investors increasingly anticipate a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in December.
Bitcoin Faces Continued Headwinds
The cryptocurrency market remained under pressure, with Bitcoin struggling to maintain its footing. Trading near $88,000, the digital asset is experiencing a weak broader market, characterized by rising downside bets, negative funding rates, and significant losses for short-term holders. ETF outflows and collapsing liquidity are further contributing to the persistent bearish sentiment. Bitcoin's price has been volatile, bouncing between $82,000 and $94,000 over the last week, having been near $125,000 last month.
Geopolitical Developments and Trade Tensions
In a notable development, the European Union rejected a U.S. demand to ease its tech rules in exchange for lower steel tariffs. This decision underscores ongoing trade friction between the two economic blocs, with the U.S. seeking a "balanced approach" to digital regulations to protect American tech companies.
Meanwhile, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a productive one-hour phone call that included discussions on trade. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a White House spokeswoman indicated that President Trump is not favoring any side but is pressuring both President Putin and President Zelenskiy to find a resolution. U.S. and Ukraine talks have been productive, though "a couple of points of disagreement" remain. A controversial 28-point peace plan has been rewritten to 19 points, moving it closer to Ukraine’s position but potentially making it harder for Russia to accept. No meeting with Zelenskiy is scheduled this week. The White House also stated that the U.S. views Maduro's Venezuela regime as illegitimate and that Trump is satisfied with and expects continued strikes against "narco-terrorists."
Corporate and Regulatory News
Freddie Mac announced an $88 billion multifamily loan purchase cap for 2026. This cap is largely based on projections for the size of the multifamily debt origination market, with 50% of loans purchased required to be mission-driven to support affordable housing.
Separately, a House panel is demanding that Amazon (AMZN) provide transparency regarding the origins of its products, specifically addressing the "Made In China?" question. This follows a previous instance in April where Amazon scrapped a plan to list tariff costs after White House criticism. Amazon also announced a $50 billion investment to expand AI infrastructure and supercomputing capabilities for its U.S. government customers.
In other domestic news, a White House spokeswoman called a judge's action in the Comey case "unprecedented."
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.