Stock Market Closing Report - Monday, December 8, 2025
U.S. stocks retreated on Monday, snapping a four-day...
U.S. stocks retreated on Monday, snapping a four-day winning streak as investors positioned ahead of the Federal Reserve's final policy meeting of the year.
Major Index Performance:
🔴 Dow Jones Industrial Average: fell 215.67 points (-0.45%) to close at 47,739.32
🔴 S&P 500: declined 0.35% to close at 6,846.51
🔴 Nasdaq Composite: dropped 0.14% to close at 23,545.90
Market Drivers: The pullback came as Treasury yields continued to climb despite expectations of a Fed rate cut this week, with the 10-year yield rising amid concerns about inflation prospects and the pace of future rate cuts. Traders are currently pricing in an 88% probability of a quarter-point rate cut when the Fed concludes its two-day meeting on Wednesday.
Looking Ahead:
All eyes remain on Wednesday's Fed decision, where policymakers are expected to deliver another rate cut but may signal a more cautious approach to easing in 2026 given persistent inflation concerns.
Most major artificial intelligence developers are advancing AI models...
Most major artificial intelligence developers are advancing AI models that mimic human reasoning and new research from AI Energy Score indicates they may require 100 times more power to reply to 1,000 prompts than traditional AI models that lack the technology. That's problematic from an energy perspective because it adds another layer of complexity to demand forecasting. Users must use AI intelligently and choose the right model for the task, says researcher Sasha Luccioni.
Energy CEOs: Infrastructure constraints threaten US AI edge
Energy executives used a series of meetings in Washington to warn that...
Energy executives used a series of meetings in Washington to warn that the US risks losing ground in the global AI race because power and natural gas infrastructure isn't expanding fast enough to meet soaring data center demand. EQT CEO Toby rice blamed political uncertainty for higher gas pipeline transport fees and underinvestment in pipelines and storage, while TC Energy CEO Francis Poirier said permitting delays mean "[e]ven successful projects take far longer than they should." New Federal Regulatory Commission Chair Laura Swett vowed to accelerate pipeline and LNG approvals, while House lawmakers recently passed a permitting reform bill with limited bipartisan support.
Appalachian Basin Shuffle: Infinity and NOG Snag Antero’s Utica Assets for $1.2 Billion
In a major strategic realignment of Appalachian...
In a major strategic realignment of Appalachian portfolios, Infinity Natural Resources and Northern Oil & Gas (NOG) have partnered to acquire Antero Resources’ Ohio Utica Shale assets for a total consideration of $1.2 billion. Under the joint venture agreement announced on December 8, Infinity will secure a 51% operating interest for $612 million, while NOG will acquire a 49% non-operated stake for $588 million.
The transaction encompasses approximately 71,000 net acres across Guernsey, Belmont, and Harrison counties. The assets currently produce 133 MMcfe/d, with an 81% gas weighting, from 241 net operated horizontal wells. For the acquiring parties, the upside lies in the inventory depth, which includes 110 undeveloped locations representing over 1.6 million lateral feet. The package also integrates significant midstream infrastructure, including 141 miles of gathering lines and 660 MMcfe/d of throughput capacity.
Infinity CEO Zack Arnold characterized the deal as "transformational," noting it as the largest acquisition in the company's history. NOG leadership echoed this sentiment, identifying the acreage as a rare core Utica growth asset capable of supporting sustained rig activity.
Simultaneously, Antero Resources is pivoting capital into West Virginia, announcing a separate $2.8 billion acquisition of Marcellus assets from HG Energy II. The Infinity-NOG transaction is expected to close in the first quarter, with financing provided by cash on hand and expanded credit facilities.
Analysts anticipate the Federal Reserve will announce a third straight...
Analysts anticipate the Federal Reserve will announce a third straight rate cut on Wednesday, following their meeting this week, but don’t expect the decision to be unanimous. Not all policymakers are sold on lowering rates, especially since the data picture is still fuzzy following the government shutdown. Investors will also watch for any clues about what the central bank might do when it meets again at the end of January.
