5 things to know before the stock market opens Friday

5 things to know before the stock market opens Friday


Here are the most important news items that investors need to start their trading day:

1. That’s that

The last trading day of 2022 is upon us. Will we go out with a bang or a whimper? The three major indices are coming off a strong Thursday. The Dow jumped more than 300 points, while the beaten-down Nasdaq surged 2.6% and the S&P 500 rose 1.8%. Even if Friday turns out well, though, the averages are going to finish down for 2022, snapping a three-year win streak, with the Nasdaq faring the worst.

There are some silver linings, however. The Dow and the S&P are set to snap a three-quarter losing streak as the fourth quarter wraps up. The new year doesn’t promise much change, though, with the Federal Reserve still trying to tame inflation with interest rates, and some economists and market watchers expecting a recession or at least a slight slowdown. Read live markets updates here.

2. Southwest’s costly meltdown

Southwest Airlines under scrutiny amid holiday travel chaos

3. New Covid pill shows promise

Pictured here on Dec. 28, 2022, is gymnasium-turned-fever clinic in Fuzhou, Fujian province.

Wang Dongming | China News Service | Getty Images

4. Lost in space

Hayri Er | iStock | Getty Images

5. Pelé dies at 82

Brazilian football legend Pele poses with the FIFA World Cup trophy on March 9, 2014 in Paris.

Franck Fife | AFP | Getty Images





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