As the final week of trading in 2025 unfolds, Wall Street navigated a mix of holiday optimism, Fed rate cut anticipation, and blockbuster corporate deals. Major indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq edged higher amid tame inflation data and robust earnings reports, while sectors such as technology and retail showed resilience. Investors remain laser-focused on the Federal Reserve’s December 9-10 meeting, where a 25-basis-point cut is now priced in at nearly 95% odds. Here’s a roundup of the week’s biggest stock stories, highlighting winners, losers, and market-shaking announcements.
1. Netflix Strikes $83 Billion Deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, Sparking Media Sector Shakeup
Netflix announced a massive acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery’s film and streaming assets in a deal valued at nearly $83 billion, set to close in 12-18 months. The move could redefine Hollywood’s landscape but faces regulatory hurdles from the Trump administration. Netflix shares dipped 3% on the news, while Warner Bros. Discovery surged over 6%. Rival Paramount Global shares plunged nearly 10% after its own bid fell short.
2. Ulta Beauty Surges 13% on Stellar Earnings and Raised Outlook
Beauty retailer Ulta Beauty crushed third-quarter expectations and hiked its full-year sales forecast to $12.3 billion, beating prior guidance. Shares rocketed 13%, leading S&P 500 gainers and underscoring strong holiday consumer spending in cosmetics. The stock’s rally reflects broader retail resilience amid economic uncertainty.
3. Moderna Jumps 9% on Positive Long-Term COVID Vaccine Study
Moderna’s shares climbed nearly 9% after a French study confirmed the long-term safety and efficacy of its COVID-19 vaccine. The data bolsters the biotech’s pivot toward other mRNA therapies, providing a lift as the company eyes profitability in a post-pandemic world.
4. Salesforce Climbs 5% Despite Revenue Miss, Eyes AI-Driven Growth
Cloud giant Salesforce beat earnings estimates but fell short on revenue, yet shares rose 5% on an upbeat fourth-quarter outlook tied to AI tools. The stock is up 13% over five days, positioning it for its best week since 2023 and highlighting tech’s enduring AI momentum.
5. Dollar General Soars 14% After Lifting Full-Year Guidance
Discount retailer Dollar General raised its earnings forecast to $5.60-$5.80 per share, topping prior estimates amid resilient low-income consumer demand. Shares jumped 14%, topping S&P 500 movers and signaling strength in value-oriented retail heading into the holidays.
6. Kroger Tumbles 4.6% on Weak Sales Forecast
Supermarket chain Kroger narrowed its annual sales outlook and missed quarterly estimates, citing softer demand. Shares fell 4.6%, dragging down the consumer staples sector and underscoring challenges in grocery amid inflation pressures.
7. Broadcom Rises Over 2% as Tech Sector Extends Winning Streak
Semiconductor leader Broadcom gained more than 2%, contributing to the tech sector’s 10th straight advanceโthe longest since 2020. The move reflects ongoing AI infrastructure demand, with the SPDR S&P Information Technology ETF up over 2% for the week.
8. UiPath Skyrockets 24% on Strong Earnings Beat
Automation software firm UiPath soared 24% after exceeding earnings forecasts, driven by enterprise adoption of its AI-powered tools. The rally highlights the booming market for robotic process automation as businesses streamline operations.
9. Cooper Companies Advances 6% on Earnings Win and Business Review
Medical device maker Cooper Companies topped quarterly earnings and issued upbeat guidance, while announcing a strategic review to simplify operations. Shares rose around 6%, buoyed by demand for contact lenses and surgical products.
10. Meta Platforms and Alphabet Edge Higher Amid Big Tech Rebound
Social media heavyweights Meta Platforms and Alphabet each advanced over 1%, part of a broader Magnificent Seven recovery. Gains were fueled by rate cut hopes and advertising strength, with Meta up 4% earlier in the week on positive sentiment.
Overall, the S&P 500 notched a 0.3% weekly gain, the Nasdaq added nearly 1%, and the Dow rose 0.5%, setting the stage for a potential year-end rally. As always, these developments underscore the market’s sensitivity to economic data and corporate performanceโstay tuned for Fed impacts next week.
