Monday was a listless day for the market. Volume was lower than average, and market lacked any real direction; it meandered its way through the day and ended relatively flat. Advancers and decliners were about even, and up volume versus down volume was also a push. Without stronger volume conviction, it is hard to put much emphasis on today's market action.  

The Nasdaq lost -2 points (-0.06%), the S&P ended flat (-0.02%), and the Dow gained +25 points (+0.16%). The Nasdaq closed down for the second day in a row on slightly higher volume, but the decline was minimal.  It appears the market participants are holding pat until after the New Year. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, so volume is expected to be light again.