- Stocks in the United States rose for a fourth day in thin trading as investors weighed the prospects for a year-end rally in the face of an increase in coronavirus cases. The price of oil rose, and the yield curve flattened.
- The S&P 500 closed near session highs on Monday, setting the 69th record close for 2021, with all major industry groups advancing. The Nasdaq 100, which is heavily weighted toward technology, increased by 1.6%, outperforming other benchmarks. For the first time in a month, oil prices in New York rose above $75 per barrel. After an auction, the two-year yield remained higher, while long-term rates fell.
- Apple, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms were among the top performers in the S&P 500. Tesla completed its biggest four-day gain since March.
- Travel stocks underperformed as flight cancellations over the Christmas weekend extended into Monday, with winter storms putting additional strain on carriers already understaffed due to the spread of COVID-19 cases. Biden's top medical adviser, Anthony Fauci, has expressed support for making vaccinations mandatory for domestic flights.