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The U.S. stock market is steadily inching closer to the all-time highs achieved between late 2021 and early 2022, showing little concern for the possibility that disinflationary trends might have eased in November, just before a highly anticipated Federal Reserve meeting.

As of 1 p.m. in New York, the three major large-cap indices were trading in the green, while small caps were edging slightly lower.

In November, the annual inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), came in at 3.1%, slightly lower than the 3.2% seen in October but in line with estimates. On a monthly basis, inflation advanced at a 0.1% pace, slightly exceeding expectations of a flat reading. Core inflation remained stable at an annual rate of 4%, as expected, and the monthly reading was 0.3%, also in line with estimates.

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the market fear index, dropped below the 12-point mark, reaching its lowest level since January 2020.

The U.S. dollar index (DXY), closely tracked by the Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ETF (NYSE:UUP), eased by 0.1%. Treasury yields remained mostly steady, with the 10-year benchmark hovering at a 4.24% yield.

Gold continued its decline by 0.2%, reaching $1,980 per ounce, while Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) fell by 1%, extending its weekly losses.

Oil prices continued to face significant downward pressure, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropping to $68 a barrel, a level last seen in late June.

Tuesday Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs

Major Indices Price Chg %
Nasdaq 100 16,266.14 +0.3%
Dow Jones 36,511.81 +0.3%
S&P 500 4,628.90 +0.1%
Russell 2000 1,875.40 -0.4%

The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:SPY) was 0.1% higher to $462.62, the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:DIA) rose 0.3% to $365.79 and the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:QQQ) was 0.3% higher to $396.87, according to Benzinga Pro data.

Sector-wise, financials outperformed, with the Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLF) up 0.6%. Energy was the laggard, pulled down by oil prices, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLE) down 1.9%.

Among industries, solar stocks continue to remain under pressure, with the Invesco Solar ETF (NYSE:TAN), tumbling 4.5%.

Sector Percentage Change
Financials +0.6%
Health…

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