Traders position ahead of next week’s Fed decision.
U.S. stocks closed higher on Wednesday as weaker than expected private payrolls increased confidence that the Federal Reserve may cut rates next week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9 percent, while the S&P 500 added 0.3 percent and the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.2 percent.
The move came after ADP data showed private payrolls fell by 32,000, compared with expectations for a 40,000 increase. Traders viewed the softer reading as support for a more accommodative stance from the Fed. Rate cut expectations for next Wednesday now stand near 89 percent, according to CME FedWatch.
Beyond the macro picture, sector moves were mixed. Microsoft (MSFT) slipped after reports around AI-related sales changes, pressuring peers such as Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO). Meanwhile, bitcoin recovered above 93,000 dollars, Marvell Technology (MRVL) rallied almost 8 percent on data center commentary, and American Eagle (AEO) jumped about 15 percent after raising its full-year outlook.
Traders continue to watch how labor data, sector rotation, and positioning ahead of the Dec 10 Fed meeting shape sentiment into the final stretch of the year.
📊 Market Wrap Dec 4th 2025
🧠 Analyst Notes
💬 Market Highlights
UiPath raises Q4 outlook as agentic automation demand grows
UiPath (PATH) reported Q3 revenue of 411 million dollars, up 16 percent, with ARR reaching 1.78 billion dollars. The company delivered its first GAAP profitable quarter, supported by early interest in AI driven automation tools such as ScreenPlay and Agent Builder. UiPath guided Q4 revenue up to 467 million dollars as its pipeline stabilizes, although agentic AI adoption remains in the early stages.
Snowflake lifts FY26 revenue forecast as AI drives customer growth
Snowflake (SNOW) posted product revenue of 1.16 billion dollars, rising 29 percent year over year, and added 615 new customers, its highest quarterly increase. AI accounted for half of new contracts and helped the company reach a 100 million dollar AI revenue run rate one quarter ahead of schedule. Snowflake raised its FY26 product revenue target to 4.446 billion dollars, supported by new partnerships with SAP, Workday, Splunk, and Palantir.
Chevron sets 2026 capital budget at 18 to 19 billion dollars
Chevron (CVX) announced a 2026 capital plan of 18 to 19 billion dollars, near the low end of its long term range. About one third of spending will go to US shale operations, with total upstream investment at roughly 17 billion dollars. The company highlighted a focus on high return projects, including offshore developments in Guyana, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Gulf of Mexico.
📅 Earnings Watch
A mixed but constructive session as traders prepare for next week’s Fed decision. Markets continue to monitor labor data, sector rotation, and positioning into year end.
Which stocks are you watching today?
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