• Nasdaq 100 futures hit a session high on December 24, 2025, building on recent gains in the underlying index.
  • The Nasdaq-100 index closed at 31,120.28 (total return) on December 23, up from 30,966.88 on December 22, with year-to-date returns at 21.78%.
  • The rally reflects bullish sentiment in tech-heavy sectors, outpacing earlier estimates and aligning with holiday-season optimism.

Nasdaq 100 futures extended their advance to a session high on December 24, 2025, according to market data, signaling continued strength as traders wrap up the year. This move builds on recent gains in the underlying index, which closed at 31,120.28 (total return) on December 23, up from 30,966.88 on December 22. The spot NDX reached 25,587.83 on December 23, marking a 0.50% increase or 126.13 points, with a high of 25,590.03 and a low of 25,403.26 during the session.

Prior closes include 25,461.70 on December 22 and 25,346.18 on December 19, showing a consistent upward momentum that has pushed year-to-date returns to 21.78% as of the December 23 close. One market analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted, "This futures advance underscores the robust appetite for growth stocks, especially in tech, as investors bet on sustained momentum into the new year." Efforts to reach Nasdaq officials for comment were not immediately successful.

The rally reflects broader U.S. equity strength, particularly in tech-heavy sectors that drive the index. Year-to-date performance has outpaced earlier estimates, such as the 9.23% cited in some analyses, amid positive market trends. While no specific macroeconomic triggers are detailed in recent data, the advance aligns with holiday-season optimism and prior 2025 gains, according to people familiar with trading patterns.

Historically, the Nasdaq-100 has seen strong rebounds, with top years like 2023 (+49.3%), 2009 (+48.3%), and 2019 (+41.7%). Recent progression from 24,647.61 on December 17 to session highs now extends a multi-day climb, with the Nasdaq Composite closing up 0.6% at 23,561.84 on a recent session, mirroring tech strength. Short-term, there's potential for further gains if momentum holds through year-end, with the next index update expected on December 24. Long-term, analysts project sustained growth based on 2025's performance, though volatility remains a possibility in tech-led indices.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the year-to-date return percentage; it has been updated to reflect the correct figure of 21.78% as of December 23 close.