As 2025 gets into full swing, traders are navigating a landscape shaped by two years of extraordinary stock market performance. The S&P 500 has delivered back-to-back annual gains exceeding 20% in 2023 and 2024, but analysts are signaling a more tempered outlook for the year ahead. With economic indicators, Federal Reserve policy, and geopolitical developments in focus, investors are keenly watching for potential trends and reversals.
S&P 500: Riding the momentum
The S&P 500 ended 2024 with an impressive annual gain of approximately 23%, following a 24% increase in 2023. This marks the first occurrence of consecutive gains above 20% since the late 1990s. The rally was fueled by robust economic growth, cooling inflation, and a series of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Additionally, enthusiasm surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's pro-business agenda further bolstered investor sentiment.
However, as we enter a new year, the market is showing signs of caution. December saw a pullback in equities, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average posting its worst monthly performance in over two years. The S&P 500 also registered its largest monthly loss since April 2024. This correction reflects profit-taking by investors and concerns about the Federal Reserve's revised stance on interest rate cuts.
S&P 500: Riding the momentum
The S&P 500 ended 2024 with an impressive annual gain of approximately 23%, following a 24% increase in 2023. This marks the first occurrence of consecutive gains above 20% since the late 1990s. The rally was fueled by robust economic growth, cooling inflation, and a series of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Additionally, enthusiasm surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's pro-business agenda further bolstered investor sentiment.
However, as we enter a new year, the market is showing signs of caution. December saw a pullback in equities, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average posting its worst monthly performance in over two years. The S&P 500 also registered its largest monthly loss since April 2024. This correction reflects profit-taking by investors and concerns about the Federal Reserve's revised stance on interest rate cuts.
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Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.