Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The stock market looks to start the first full trading week of the year and end the "Santa Claus rally" period on a high note as the major averages sit firmly higher just before the close. 

Currently the S&P 500 sits just below the level needed to end the Santa Claus rally with a slight gain, as the action over the past two weeks has been muted, low volume, and devoid of any catalysts. 

While investors still largely await the next market-wide driver, today's session has seen a return to more normal volume levels and a smattering of sector and individual moves tied to geopolitical and corporate headlines.