5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens

Stock futures are little changed after yesterday’s record for the S&P 500; trading ends early today for the Christmas Eve holiday; gold and silver hit records for a third straight day; shares of AI software maker UiPath rose on its coming inclusion in a mid-cap benchmark index; energy giant BP said it would sell a major stake in its Castrol lubricants division as part of its plan to return focus to oil production.

Here’s what you need to know today.

Stock Futures Make Muted Premarket Moves

Stock futures were essentially flat in premarket trading ahead of a shortened Christmas Even session after another record closing high for the S&P 500, which came as major stock indexes moved higher for a fourth straight session. Futures trading tied to the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq were fractionally lower. U.S. benchmark crude oil futures were around $58.50 a barrel as the commodity stayed near two-week highs.

Bitcoin traded at $87,300, down slightly from an earlier high closer to $89,000. Yields on the 10-year Treasury note, which can impact mortgage rates and a range of other consumer loans, were at 4.16%, a tick lower from yesterday’s trading levels. Today’s calendar is light, though investors will be watching weekly jobless claims data.

Stock, Bond Markets Closing Early for Christmas Holiday

It will be a short trading session today as markets close early for the Christmas holiday. The stock market will close at 1 p.m. ET, and the bond market at 2 p.m., for Christmas Eve, and remain closed through the holiday on Dec. 25. Both markets are closed on Jan. 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day. Looking ahead, stock traders have a full day on New Year’s Eve, though bond trading ends at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Gold, Silver Continue to Reach New Highs

Precious metals continued their hot streak as gold and silver hit fresh all-time highs for a third straight day. Gold futures were higher by around 0.2% to trade at around $4,513 an ounce recently, while silver futures rose 1.3% to trade at around $72 an ounce. Gold futures recently hit $4,555 to trade at a record high, while silver also reached its highest-ever price. Gold and silver prices have been climbing as traders expect the Federal Reserve to continue cutting interest rates. Investors are also seeking a haven from geopolitical uncertainty and a weakening U.S. dollar. Gold prices have risen around 70% this year, while silver has more than doubled.

UiPath Jumps on Entry Into S&P MidCap 400

UiPath (PATH) shares are rising by some 8% in premarket action after the maker of automated software was set to join the S&P MidCap 400, replacing Synovus Financial Corp. (SNV). UiPath will join the index before trading starts on Jan. 2, 2026. The S&P MidCap 400 Index tracks the performance of companies in the mid-range of market capitalization. Shares of UiPath are higher by more than 25% on the year on investor optimism that the company can be a winner in the artificial intelligence trade. Shares of Synovus shares were edging lower premarket.

BP to Sell Stake in Castrol

Oil giant BP (BP) agreed to sell a 65% stake in its Castrol lubricants business to investment firm Stonepeak. BP is to take in about $6 billion for the sale, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The move is part of the oil company’s efforts to focus its business on oil production after its shift to more renewable energy delivery proved unpopular with investors.  “The sale marks an important milestone in the ongoing delivery of our reset strategy,” said BP interim CEO Carol Howle. Meg O’Neill will become the company’s CEO in April. U.S.-listed shares of BP were little changed in early trading.