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US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Rise as Traders Brace for Hotter Inflation

Simply Wall St · 2d ago

The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Thursday, Dec, 18 2025

US stock futures are pointing higher this morning, with contracts tied to a broad market benchmark up about 0.3 percent, as investors focus on a delayed but closely watched November inflation report that is expected to show prices rising 3.1 percent over the past year. That is slightly hotter than October, which means the cost of living is still easing only slowly, even as the Federal Reserve hints it could start cutting interest rates in 2026. With the 10 year Treasury yield hovering near 4.1 percent, the key question is whether steady inflation keeps pressure on growth stocks and offers a relative break for more defensive sectors like utilities and dividend focused funds.

With inflation still sticky and yields elevated, we’ve pinpointed dividend stocks with yields > 3% investors are quietly snapping up today.

Top Movers

  • Medline (MDLN) surged 41.38 percent after a strong debut following its multi billion dollar IPO.
  • Texas Pacific Land (TPL) jumped 7.59 percent after signing a strategic agreement tied to its energy royalty assets.
  • Devon Energy (DVN) climbed 5.30 percent as energy stocks caught a bid with crude prices stabilizing.

Is Devon Energy still a smart investment or just hype? Read our most popular narrative and get all the answers you need.

MDLN 1-Year Stock Price Chart
MDLN 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Top Losers

  • Bloom Energy (BE) fell 12.14 percent, as traders reversed recent AI fueled enthusiasm around the stock.
  • Symbotic (SYM) declined 10.69 percent, after a senior accounting executive disclosed a notable insider share sale.
  • GE Vernova (GEV) dropped 10.50 percent amid renewed concerns about valuation and execution following recent gains.

Look past the noise - uncover the top narrative that explains what truly matters for Symbotic's long-term success.

BE 1-Year Stock Price Chart
BE 1-Year Stock Price Chart

On The Radar

Earnings from logistics, consumer, and business services leaders will anchor trading cues through the end of the week.

  • Global shipping pulse: FedEx (FDX) reports Q2 results today, with margin trends and volume mix guiding expectations for global trade.
  • Consumer spending check: NIKE (NKE) posts Q2 numbers today, updating demand strength, inventory discipline, and China momentum.
  • Services and employment bellwether: Accenture (ACN) delivers Q1 results today, highlighting tech spending priorities and consulting pipeline trends.
  • Business services double feature: Cintas (CTAS) and Darden (DRI) report today, clarifying Main Street demand and labor cost pressures.
  • Payrolls lens: Paychex (PAYX) reports Q2 results pre market Friday, offering a clean read on small business hiring and wage pressures.

Use our Portfolio or Watchlist features to track market-moving events like these and get alerts for the companies you own, free!

Don't Just Read The News, Use It

Smart money is already rotating into resilient growth, and this window may not stay open long. undervalued stocks based on cash flows is quietly trading at compelling, mispriced entry points right now.

Want to find your own winners? Use our stock screener to uncover stocks that fit your unique style, set up custom searches, and get timely alerts so you never miss a fresh opportunity.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.