US stocks edge lower from records as precious metals surgeNEW YORK, Dec 27, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Wall Street stocks edged down from records on Friday amid holiday-thinned trading while precious metals extended their year-long surge to record highs. Precious metals have surged in 2025 as uncertainty about US policy under President Donald Trump -- and the prospect of further Federal Reserve interest rate cuts -- have weakened the dollar, reducing its appeal to investors. All three finished marginally lower, with the Dow and S&P 500 both slightly below Wednesday's records. Stocks often rise in the peak festive period, sometimes yielding a "Santa Claus rally." Oil prices, meanwhile, dropped more than two percent as markets looked ahead to a meeting Sunday between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on peace proposals.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha December 27, 2025 02:23 UTC