S&P 500 Hits Intraday Record High Above 6,050 Fueled by Rate Cut Bets

Is the 'Santa Claus Rally' here to stay? The S&P 500 index surged to an intraday record high on December 24, 2025, as investor optimism swelled around potential interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. According to Reuters, the move signals a strong year-end sentiment driven by bets on a more accommodative monetary policy in the new year.

The Fuel for the Rally

During the session, the S&P 500 climbed as much as 1.2%, breaking the psychological 6,000 mark to touch a high of 6,050. This bullish momentum is largely credited to recent economic data showing inflation is cooling. With last month's Consumer Price Index (CPI) approaching the Fed's 2% target, the market believes the central bank has little reason to maintain its restrictive stance.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted gains, broadening the rally. Growth-oriented sectors like technology typically benefit from the prospect of lower borrowing costs.

A Note of Caution Amid the Cheer

However, some analysts urge caution. It's crucial to remember that the market's enthusiasm is based on bets, not on official announcements from the Federal Reserve. Fed officials have continued to strike a cautious tone, emphasizing that their fight against inflation isn't over yet.