The YieldMax Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs (YMAX) closed down 1.4% at $17.30 on December 27th, as market volatility and interest rate uncertainties weighed on its underlying assets. The fund, which is sensitive to shifts in interest rate expectations, faced pressure amid discussions of potential rate cuts in 2025. This uncertainty has impacted dividend-paying stocks, particularly in the utility sector, which is a significant component of YMAX's strategy. While some utility companies have benefited from their roles in AI data centers, the broader sector has underperformed the S&P 500. Additionally, a pullback in major tech stocks, including Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, contributed to a broader market decline, further affecting sentiment.