The story of 2023 was the recession that never was and the end of the interest rate hiking cycle. Corporate earnings growth beat expectations, and the S&P 500 saw a 26 percent return. And in the first half of 2024, that upward trajectory largely continued. Large-cap stocks have led the way, while mid- and small-caps have lagged. Value stocks have underperformed growth stocks, with higher earnings growth for growth stocks keeping them in the lead.