The S&P 500 and Dow were both down in single digits in December, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq eked out a modest gain. Developed and emerging markets showed small losses during the month, and fixed income also had a weak end of the year. The central factor in these results was rising long-term interest rates, which hit valuations across the board. And although the Fed lowered interest rates in December, it indicated fewer planned interest rate cuts in 2025.
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