Outsized returns, record highs on nearly a weekly cadence, and low volatility were three major themes of price action in 2024. The S&P 500 posted a total of 57 record highs, marking the fifth-highest number of new highs in a calendar year since 1

Key Takeaways:

• Annual inflation accelerated up to 2.9% in December from higher energy and food prices.
• Stripping out food and energy, core inflation rose 0.2% from a month ago, less than expected and bringing annual core inflation down to 3.2

With 2024 and the fourth quarter (Q4) behind us, we decided to conduct a deep dive into the key factors that shaped Q4 performance. We’ve highlighted what we believe to be 10 of the key takeaways.

10 Takeaways From Q4

The closely watched Santa Claus Rally period officially wraps up tomorrow. This historically strong seven-day stretch for stocks was first discovered by Yale Hirsch back in 1972. Hirsch, creator of the Stock Trader’s Almanac, officially defined

As investors prepare to watch dazzling fireworks shows, shower in confetti, and sing “Auld Lang Syne” tonight, another stellar year for stocks will enter the history books. Back-to-back 20% annual gains, over 50 record highs, and limited

Panic swept across equity markets yesterday as the Federal Reserve (Fed) delivered a hawkish 0.25% interest rate cut, as expected. The real surprise came from upward revisions to inflation projections for next year and forecasts calling for fewer rat

As we enter the final weeks of 2024, one of the strongest alternative investment strategies this year has been equity market neutral investing. Through the end of November, the HFRI Equity Market Neutral Index has gained 10.2%, with a beta to the S&a

The champagne popped yesterday after the Nasdaq Composite Index (CCMP) rallied 1.8% and surpassed the 20,000-point milestone for the first time. Strength from most of its mega-cap components underpinned yesterday’s rally, a common theme since t

Key Highlights

- The latest release from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows small businesses plan to put their capital spending into overdrive.
- Further, overall optimism spiked to the highest since June 2021 and is now...

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Looking back, 2024 was another strong year for stocks. The market was driven higher by unwavering trends in technology, an enduring economy with moderating inflation, Fed rate cuts, and the prospect of investor-friendly policies from the incoming adm