US stocks were mostly higher on a shortened Wednesday session, holding the upswing from the week amid expectations that the current economic backdrop continues to favor earnings prospects for the upcoming year. The three main indices were up slightly, with the S&P 500 setting a fresh record high. Yesterday's third-quarter GDP print was sharply above expectations for an annualized expansion of 4.3%, reflecting robust private consumption and limiting concerns that tariffs hampered spending or triggered a bounce for inflation. Meanwhile, initial jobless claims fell and outstanding claims jumped, extending the view of low hiring and low firing in a fragmented labor market. Tech giants loosely held their traction from earlier in the week despite the lingering skepticism that the sector's valuations may be overstretched. Still, Intel fell 2% down on reports that Nvidia halted a test that would use Intel chips. Exchanges will close on Thursday for Christmas holidays.