The S&P 500 Index gained 3.73 percent, the Nasdaq gained 4.91 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.18 percent.1,2
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A rebound rally began on Monday as the artificial intelligence (AI) business strategy of one of the largest megacap tech stocks reignited positive sentiment in the AI trade. The enthusiasm broadened out to a number of AI-related names, lifting the S&P 500 by 1.5 percent and the Nasdaq by 2.7 percent—its biggest one-day gain in more than six months.3
Stocks rose again on Tuesday and Wednesday—the third and fourth consecutive trading days of gains, respectively, for all three major averages.
Overall bullish holiday sentiment, positive news on a handful of AI-related megacap tech names, and continued investor optimism for the Fed to adjust rates at its next meeting powered the advances.
Markets continued their rise after the Thanksgiving holiday, with stocks rounding out the shortened trading session with a fifth consecutive day of gains.4,5
Watching The Consumer
As we move full steam ahead into the holiday shopping season, investors are closely watching consumer data.
The fresh consumer spending data released last week was the first update. The delayed report showed the pace of retail sales in September cooled slightly over the prior month, just shy of expectations.
Next up was the Conference Board’s November survey, which showed that consumer confidence dropped to 88.7 from 99.5 in October.6
Investors may be anxiously awaiting the October retail sales report and closely monitoring other consumer data points for clues about the future direction of the economy.
Economic Data To Watch
Monday: PMI Manufacturing Index. ISM Manufacturing.
Tuesday: Auto Sales.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Import Prices (Sept.)* PMI Services Index. ISM Services.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit (Oct.)
Friday: Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index (Sept.)*
* indicates publication of a report that had been delayed by the government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; November 28, 2025. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
Upcoming Earnings Reports
Tuesday: CrowdStrike (CRWD), Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL)
Wednesday: Salesforce Inc. (CRM), Snowflake Inc. (SNOW)
Thursday: The Kroger Co. (KR)
Source: Zacks, November 28, 2025. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.
Footnotes and Sources1. WSJ.com, November 28, 2025
2. Investing.com, November 28, 2025
3. CNBC.com, November 24, 2025
4. CNBC.com, November 26, 2025
5. CNBC.com, November 28, 2025
6. WSJ.com, November 25, 2025
Source: YCharts.com, November 29, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, November 21, to Friday, November 28. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.