ME News message, December 24 (UTC+8), U.S. stocks traded lightly in the early session on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 index holding near its historical highs as the market analyzes labor market data for further clues about the Federal Reserve's interest rate path. The Nasdaq 100 index and Dow Jones index showed little change. Tom Essaye, founder of Sevens Report, stated that as the year-end approaches, investors are firmly pricing in a soft landing for the economy. He believes that amid optimistic expectations for strong earnings growth in the coming quarters, there is still room for the stock market to rise. (Source: ME)