The S&P 500 futures are up 6 points, the Nasdaq 100 futures are up 90 points, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are down 80 points.

The market is showing mixed signals as many traders are on holiday. The NYSE will close early at 1:00 p.m. ET and the bond market at 2:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Markets will be closed on Wednesday for Christmas.

The 2-year Treasury yield has increased to 4.33%, and the 10-year yield is up to 4.56%.

The December Consumer Confidence Index will be released at 10:00 ET today.

Today's News

The automotive industry is set for a shake-up as Honda Motor (HMC, Financial) and Nissan (NSANY, Financial) have entered merger discussions, aiming to create the world’s third-largest automaker. This strategic move is expected to give both companies a competitive edge, with a focus on electric vehicle development and software advancements. The merger, which includes Mitsubishi Motors (MMTOF, Financial), could potentially deliver over $190 billion in revenue, with a joint holding company anticipated by August 2026.

BE Semiconductor (BESIY, Financial) is positioned to gain from several future catalysts, including its role in Apple's (AAPL, Financial) iPhone 18 Pro upgrades and the transition to M5 silicon using TSMC's (TSM, Financial) advanced technology. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo highlights BE Semi's critical contribution to Apple's next-gen devices, which could drive growth for the Netherlands-based semiconductor company.

Pony AI (PONY, Financial) is on an upward trajectory after receiving positive analyst ratings post-quiet period. Goldman Sachs and Bank of America have both issued Buy ratings, citing Pony AI's potential leadership in Level 4 autonomous mobility. The company is expected to significantly scale its operations, with profitability projected as early as 2029.

In the world of technology and delivery, DoorDash (DASH, Financial) has partnered with Alphabet's Wing (GOOGL, Financial) to pilot drone deliveries in Texas. This collaboration marks a significant step in the integration of UAVs into commercial applications, promising rapid delivery times and potentially reshaping the logistics landscape.

Meanwhile, Starbucks (SBUX, Financial) faces challenges as workers across nine states strike, potentially impacting holiday sales. The strike is a response to stalled negotiations on labor practices, with union representatives warning that more store closures could follow.

Hyliion (HYLN, Financial) has secured a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop methane emissions reduction technology. This funding will support the installation of KARNO generators, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Lastly, The Container Store (TCSG, Financial) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, aiming to restructure its finances and ensure long-term viability. The company plans to continue operations as usual while implementing a recapitalization strategy.

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