Read the full Fourth Quarter 2024 Market Newsletter HERE
- In the fourth quarter, large stocks continued to gain while smaller stocks, foreign stocks and bonds were unprofitable.
- In 2024, stocks and bonds were profitable, although large US stocks were the most profitable helped by the ‘Magnificent 7’. Despite rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, bonds had lackluster performance as long-term interest rates rose.
- Stocks could continue to rise, helped by momentum and earnings growth. Historically gains at this stage come along with volatility spikes and periodic drawdowns, which is why discipline is called for.
- According to FactSet, earnings of companies in the S&P 500 are expected to grow by 14% in 2025 and 13% in 2026. Although this is possible it will not be easy to achieve.
- A portfolio of the best ideas of successful investors does not perform well as many asset management firms have found out.