US Equity Markets were generally down last week in holiday-shortened trading, though they posted strong gains for the full year 2024. The S&P 500 dropped 0.5% for the week, though for 2024 was up 23.3%. The Nasdaq also decreased 0.5% for the week but was up 28.6% for 2024, while the Russell 2000 (small cap stocks) posted strong 1.1% gains for the week and was up 10.0% for 2024.
Global Equity Markets declined last week amid economic concerns out of China and political turmoil in South Korea. Developed Markets were down 0.7% for the week and were only up 2.0% for 2024. Emerging Markets dropped 0.9% for the week but increased 5.1% in 2024.
Energy prices spiked last week on hopes for an economic stimulus package out of China and expected frigid weather in the US. The price of oil rose 5.4% for the week to close at $74.07/barrel, its highest level since October 2024. US Natural Gas prices rose over 4% mid-week to $3.24/mmbtu before eventually falling back to close at $2.96/mmbtu.
Of Interest to Us
The month of January is usually positive for the equity markets. Since 1928, the average return for the S&P 500 in the month of January has been 1.4%, while the median return is about 1.6%. Returns have been positive for the month 60% of the time.
Market Data
for the week ending 1/3/2025
If you have questions about the markets or would like to talk about your investments, please contact me at bfontana@invtrust.com or via phone at 704.940.3544.
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