Happy Thanksgiving
- Stephen H Akin
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
"When asked if my cup is half-full or half-empty, my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup." — Sam Lefkowitz
U.S. stock markets have posted solid gains in 2025 so far, with major indexes such as the S&P 500 up approximately 11% year-to-date as of late November 2025. Despite some recent volatility and a pullback of around 5% from record October highs, the overall trend for the year remains positive.
Major Index Performance in 2025
The S&P 500 is up about 10.5-11% year-to-date as of November 23, 2025.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite have seen similar patterns, with modest gains and some mid-year corrections.
Market rebounds have been driven by shifting expectations regarding Federal Reserve interest rates and continued investor interest in AI and technology-related stocks.
Standout Stocks and Sectors
The top S&P 500 performers include Robinhood Markets (up over 200%), Western Digital (up 253%), and Palantir Technologies (up 121%).
AI, semiconductor, and technology companies have contributed strongly to market gains, following enthusiasm for productivity and economic impacts tied to artificial intelligence and next-generation hardware.
“Magnificent 7” names have had mixed results in 2025: Nvidia , Meta Platforms , and Microsoft registered 20-30% gains, while Apple and Tesla posted declines.
With the family all together, Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to discuss estate plans...
Akin Investments invites you to download our free guide to Estate Planning
A Thanksgiving Message from RED SKELTON:
In the words of Red Skelton “Now I have a little something to say on behalf of our American home.
In the year 1620, a group of hardy, determined people crossed the Atlantic in quest of a land where they might live freely, and worship above a whisper. These Pilgrims found such a home, known as the United States of America, and history tells us that our forefathers gave humble thanks to God on the last Thursday of November of that year for their deliverance.
To me, this Thanksgiving, 332 years later, is one of the most important Thanksgivings we’ll ever celebrate. And when we offer thanks this time, let’s also ask God to give us strength to keep a firm hold on the freedoms which are now being threatened.
If this country is conquered by aggressors, there can be no other pilgrimage, for there will be no more free lands that they may go to.”
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