Markets rallied in November as investors poured into U.S. stocks following the 2024 election results. All three major U.S. indices ended the month in positive territory, with the S&P 500 and Dow showing record highs. While it was a great month for U.S. investors, international stocks ended down, and developed and emerging markets fell. On the economic front, personal spending and retail sales growth came in strong, and service sector confidence rose to a two-year high.
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Early Election Thoughts
From beginning to end, the 2024 election cycle will be looked back on as historic. It was hard fought and contentious on both sides. But at the end of the day, polls and political pundits don’t decide elections—voters do.
Market Thoughts for November 2024 [Video]
Markets were down in October across the board, with stocks falling at month-end. Bonds also dropped as traders dialed back expectations for Fed rate cuts. This pullback was largely due to signs of surprisingly strong economic growth, as solid hiring and rising confidence drove consumer spending growth.
Geopolitical Risks: Tricks or Treats?
In the most recent Bank of America Global Fund Manager Survey (October 2024), managers were asked what they considered the biggest “tail risk.” Their answer: geopolitical conflict. So, if you’ve been thinking about geopolitical risks and their potential effect on portfolios, you are certainly not alone.
What Will the Election Mean for Markets?
“The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings; now for October eves!”
— Humbert Wolfe
Monthly Market Risk Update: October 2024 [SlideShare]
Stocks continued their rally in September, with all three major U.S. indices up for the month and quarter. The S&P 500 gained 2.14 percent in September and 5.89 percent for the quarter, while the Dow was up 1.96 percent during the month and 8.72 percent for the quarter. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 2.76 percent for the month and quarter. Improving fundamentals and solid earnings growth supported these results.