2024 Market Wrap: Stocks Finish on a Low Note as S&P 500 Posts 20% Annual Gain
As the final trading day of 2024 draws to a close, US stocks (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC) are experiencing a decline, capping off an otherwise remarkable year for equity markets. The S&P 500 is set to end 2024 with a substantial gain of over 20%, a testament to the market's resilience. Companies like MicroStrategy (MSTR) have been notable performers, with the technology sector playing a significant role in driving growth. Despite the year's overall success, investors are exercising caution in the final hours, potentially due to concerns about inflation and interest rates. As the market looks to 2025, investors will be closely watching key economic indicators, including GDP growth and employment rates, to gauge the outlook for the upcoming year. With a strong foundation established in 2024, the stage is set for continued growth and investment opportunities in the new year. The Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq composite are all poised to build on their gains, driven by trends in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce.
