Analysts offered mixed signals on the S&P 500’s near-term outlook, making a Santa rally uncertain, pointing to potential volatility, amid atypical seasonality and rising bearish options sentiment.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Catherine Brock covers personal finance and investing. The Santa Rally is a recurring trend of higher stock prices in the fourth ...

I believe in Santa Claus. I make that declaration every year before Christmas, and every year, without fail, I’m mocked (mainly by family members) or labeled “cheesy” by online scolds and various ...