Global equity markets showed broad strength on December 11, 2025, with major US and European indices finishing higher despite a mild pullback in tech stocks. A sharp drop in the VIX highlighted cooling volatility and improving investor sentiment.
US Markets: Dow Leads, Nasdaq Lags
Dow Jones (48,704.01 | +646.26 | +1.34%)
Blue-chip stocks powered the US market higher, with the Dow posting the strongest gain among major US indices. Industrials, financials, and energy names contributed to the rally.
S&P 500 (6,901.00 | +14.32 | +0.21%)
The S&P 500 closed in the green, supported by steady buying across defensive and value-oriented stocks.
Nasdaq Composite (23,593.86 | -60.30 | -0.25%)
Tech stocks cooled off after recent gains. Weakness in large-cap semiconductors and growth names pulled the Nasdaq into negative territory.
NYSE Composite (22,114.42 | +181.11 | +0.83%)
Broader market breadth remained strong, with advances outpacing declines across the NYSE.
NYSE American (7,228.61 | +67.01 | +0.94%)
Small and mid-cap names performed well, reflecting active interest in cyclical sectors.
Russell 2000 (2,590.61 | +31.00 | +1.21%)
Small caps extended their upward momentum, seen as a positive indicator of domestic economic confidence.
Fear Index Drops Sharply
VIX (14.85 | -0.92 | -5.83%)
The volatility index slid for a second straight session, showing that investor anxiety has tapered as markets digest central bank commentary and macro data.
UK & European Markets Close Strong
European markets followed the US tone, ending higher across the board:
Cboe UK 100 (971.61 | +3.59 | +0.37%)
FTSE 100 (9,703.16 | +47.63 | +0.49%)
UK markets remained firm, supported by banking and consumer stocks.
DAX (24,294.61 | +164.47 | +0.68%)
Germany’s benchmark index climbed on strength in industrial and auto names.
CAC 40 (8,085.76 | +63.07 | +0.79%)
France’s index gained steadily, driven by luxury and energy stocks.
EURO STOXX 50 (5,753.96 | +45.84 | +0.80%)
The region-wide index reflected consistent investor appetite across European blue chips.
Euronext 100 (1,702.04 | +10.50 | +0.62%)
BEL 20 (5,000.50 | +11.40 | +0.23%)
Benelux markets also posted modest but stable gains.
Takeaway
Global equities showed resilience, with strong buying in blue chips and small caps offsetting weakness in tech. Europe tracked the positive sentiment, and the falling VIX suggests markets are settling into a more stable phase despite sector-level rotation.
