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.
Commonwealth
Q3 2024 Earnings: Santa Delivered, but Markets Expect More in 2025
When kids are young, they don’t ask for much—maybe a toy car or a new puzzle will keep them happy. But as they get older, the requests always seem to get bigger. Those toys and puzzles become more complicated video games, LEGO, or designer clothes and are invariably something we, the adults, never had as kids.
Market Thoughts for December 2024 [Video]
Markets rallied in November as investors poured into U.S. stocks following the 2024 election results. All three major U.S. indices ended the month in positive territory, with the S&P 500 and Dow showing record highs. While it was a great month for U.S. investors, international stocks ended down, and developed and emerging markets fell. On the economic front, personal spending and retail sales growth came in strong, and service sector confidence rose to a two-year high.
Early Election Thoughts
From beginning to end, the 2024 election cycle will be looked back on as historic. It was hard fought and contentious on both sides. But at the end of the day, polls and political pundits don’t decide elections—voters do.
Market Thoughts for November 2024 [Video]
Markets were down in October across the board, with stocks falling at month-end. Bonds also dropped as traders dialed back expectations for Fed rate cuts. This pullback was largely due to signs of surprisingly strong economic growth, as solid hiring and rising confidence drove consumer spending growth.
Geopolitical Risks: Tricks or Treats?
In the most recent Bank of America Global Fund Manager Survey (October 2024), managers were asked what they considered the biggest “tail risk.” Their answer: geopolitical conflict. So, if you’ve been thinking about geopolitical risks and their potential effect on portfolios, you are certainly not alone.