Stock Market Recap: Dec 15-19 Highlights

James Sterling December 20, 2025 3 min read

MarketBeat Week in Review: December 15-19

Markets showed upward momentum at the week’s close, potentially paving the way for a traditional Santa Claus rally. Positive factors included the delayed November inflation figures and employment data that bolster expectations for additional interest rate reductions. Capital inflows persist amid indications of shifting investments across various sectors.

Nevertheless, the overarching economic picture presents a blend of signals. The week concluded with disappointing November housing statistics, which might dampen investor confidence moving forward.

The upcoming week features abbreviated trading hours owing to the Christmas holiday. Stock exchanges will shut down completely on December 25 and wrap up early at 1:00 p.m. on December 24.

Key Highlights from MarketBeat Contributors

Insights from Thomas Hughes

Thomas Hughes addressed lingering worries about an artificial intelligence bubble. Yet, standout performance from Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) paints a more optimistic picture. The firm posted impressive quarterly outcomes driven by robust demand. Chart patterns suggest potential for up to 60% appreciation in MU shares.

A significant development was the Trump administration’s move to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III status. Hughes detailed prospective gains for the cannabis sector, identified promising stocks, and cautioned that substantial growth might await greater institutional participation.

Hughes also reviewed MongoDB Inc. (NASDAQ: MDB)’s robust 2025 trajectory, underscoring its pivotal role in AI infrastructure. Positive outlooks from analysts and institutions indicate further potential for MDB shares.

Insights from Sam Quirke

AppLovin Corp. (NASDAQ: APP) ranks among 2025’s top performers despite heavy short interest. Sam Quirke unpacked this anomaly and built a compelling bullish argument that could trigger a short squeeze.

Nutanix Inc. (NASDAQ: NTNX) has faced post-earnings declines, but Quirke argues the results were not as dismal as perceived, positioning NTNX for a potential rebound opportunity.

Following a 120% surge since April, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) might seem overstretched. Quirke offered two compelling reasons why it could still represent a value buy.

Insights from Chris Markoch

With analysts forecasting inflation’s return in 2026, dividend payers capable of exceeding it become appealing. Chris Markoch recommended three affordable high-yield dividend stocks trading below $20.

Despite rate cuts, long-term Treasury yields stay elevated. Markoch suggested three finance sector stocks as viable substitutes amid climbing 10-year rates.

Persistent high beef prices are expected through 2026 due to supply constraints. Markoch spotlighted three steakhouse chains adeptly handling escalating costs.

Insights from Ryan Hasson

SpaceX’s hints at a 2026 IPO spotlighted Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) as a likely winner, according to Ryan Hasson.

Sector rotation favors finance, with strong inflows into the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA: XLF). Hasson noted bullish patterns in three key holdings.

Industrials have excelled in 2025; Hasson picked three standout options for continued momentum into 2026.

Insights from Leo Miller

The Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) acquisition race intensified with Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ: PSKY)’s $30 all-cash offer rivaling Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX). Leo Miller dissected the proposals and key investor considerations.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) rebounded post-mine closure, propelled by copper price surges from enduring trends, per Miller.

Several technology stocks have plunged over 60% from peaks amid outflows. Miller evaluated three, pinpointing the strongest recovery prospect.

Insights from Nathan Reiff

AI momentum boosts robotics; Reiff outlined drivers and three lesser-known stocks primed for growth.

Firms with robust cash flows enable buybacks and dividends. Reiff selected three exemplars blending income and appreciation.

For New Year’s resolutions, Reiff targeted three undervalued stocks analysts see rebounding in 2026.

Insights from Dan Schmidt

Upwork Inc. (NASDAQ: UPWK) echoed meme stock fervor as a 2025 standout. Dan Schmidt assessed its rally, listing three bullish and two bearish factors.

Insights from Jeffrey Neal Johnson

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM) dipped post-revenue amid algo trading noise, creating a buy chance for patient holders, says Johnson.

SuperMicro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI)’s decline mirrors sector woes, not fundamentals, positioning it for swift recovery.

ServiceNow Inc. (NYSE: NOW)’s $7 billion Armis buy sparked alarm, but Johnson views it as strength signaling a premium entry.