Squawk on the Street Santa Claus Rally, Nygren on Markets and WBD, Holiday Retail Homestretch 12/24/25
Dec 24, 2025
Bill Nygren, a long-time value investor and portfolio manager at Oakmark Funds, discusses the current market landscape, highlighting his views on Warner Bros. Discovery and financial sector opportunities. Retail expert Jan Kniffen shares insights on holiday shopping trends, emphasizing consumer behavior, inventory challenges, and promotional strategies. Together, they explore hopes for a Santa Claus rally, while Nygren also touches on appealing investments in energy and banks as the market approaches the year's end.
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Santa Claus Rally Shapes 2026 Expectations
- The Santa Claus rally historically covers the last trading week of December and first two days of January and often signals a strong following year.
- Strategists are bullish but question how much Fed easing is already priced into markets.
Momentum's 2025 Dominance May Fade
- Momentum dominated 2025, making active managers who lacked heavy growth exposure struggle.
- Bill Nygren expects lagging names to catch up in 2026, favoring a rotation into value and overlooked stocks.
AI Earnings Support The Bull Case
- AI-driven earnings from large components like Marvell have reinforced the bull narrative and supported market leadership.
- That participation makes the AI trade central to hopes for continued market strength into year-end.