Stocks ended lower this week with most discussion centered on the failed Santa Claus rally/lack of seasonal tailwind, while broader macro catalysts were limited. December FOMC minutes offered no surprises, and reinforced expectations for cautious, gradual easing in 2026 though division within the Fed remains a key focus point. Housing data modestly surprised to the upside, jobless claims declined w/w, and markets continued to look ahead to early-2026 catalysts.