Welcome to our December 2024 Market Update!
Happy Holidays! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…this is my favorite time of the year and hopefully yours as well!
The markets have been quite giving in 2024, and November was no different. The S&P 500 index delivered its best monthly return in a year returning 5.7%.1
So why are things going so well? Is it the economy, elections, or what? You may have heard me say this before, but I liken the stock market to a 3-year old child! I feel it has to have certainty, comfort in knowing things and constant reassurance. Following the election results, recent economic reports and speeches from the Federal Reserve, that is what has been given.
U.S. dollar strength and tariff concerns continue, and I believe this has weighed on international stocks. The MSCI EAFE slipped .7% in November, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index lost 3.7%.1
Stocks are poised to deliver back-to-back 20%+ years for the first time since the 1990’s, so if that’s not a reason to celebrate this holiday season I’m not sure what is! But seriously, what’s next?
While I do feel volatility may increase in 2025, I feel there very well may be gains to be had as well. I would continue to advocate to asset allocation, or simply a blend of stocks, bonds, cash and/or commodities to diversify risk.
Based on current market conditions there are several themes I feel are emerging on how we may want to invest. I’m planning to go into these themes in more depth in next month’s commentary, but here’s a brief introduction. We continue to advocate for precious metals given the large amounts of debt. I also believe growth stocks offer compelling opportunities as well as a focus on U.S. stocks. Crypto currencies cannot be ignored as they are surfaced in the mainstream.
If you don’t feel like waiting for more on these themes, shoot me back an email or please feel free to call. IN the meanwhile, have a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year! Thank you and your family so much for your support and continued confidence in what we do.
Successfully,
Tim Truebenbach, CFP®
Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor
Disclaimers and Sources
1 Source: LPL Research, Daily Market Update, 12/2/2024, Jeffrey Buchbinder, CFA
The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.
Content in this material is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.
The NASDAQ Composite Index measures all NASDAQ domestic and non-U.S. based common stocks listed on The NASDAQ Stock Market. The market value, the last sale price multiplied by total shares outstanding, is calculated throughout the trading day, and is related to the total value of the Index.
The S&P 500 is a stock market index tracking the stock performance of 500 of the largest companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.
The MSCI EM (Emerging Markets) Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the emerging market countries of the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The MSCI EAFE Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of the following developed country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice. Cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency-related products can be volatile, are highly speculative and involve significant risks including: liquidity, pricing, regulatory, cybersecurity risk, and loss of principal. A cryptocurrency fund may trade at a significant premium to Net Asset Value (NAV). Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender and are not government backed. Cryptocurrencies are non-traditional investments, resulting in a different tax treatment than currency. Federal, state or foreign governments may restrict the use and exchange of cryptocurrency. The use and exchange of cryptocurrency may also be restricted or halted permanently as regulatory developments continue, and regulations are subject to change at any time. Cryptocurrency exchanges may stop operating or permanently shut down due to fraud, technical glitches, hackers, malware, or bankruptcy.
International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.
Precious metal investing involves greater fluctuation and potential for losses.
Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal.
The fast price swings in commodities will result in significant volatility in an investor’s holdings. Commodities include increased risks, such as political, economic, and currency instability, and may not be suitable for all investors.
LPL Tracking #669029 - True PW Market Video Script- Dec 2024
LPL Tracking #670208 - True PW Market Video - Dec 2024