This memorable line from Christmas Vacation captures the feeling of looking back on something truly special—much like reflecting on the financial progress we've made together this year. At Crescent Wealth Management, we’re proud to celebrate the milestones we’ve reached and the trust you’ve placed in us.

What a year 2024 has been. Amidst a Presidential election, geopolitical uncertainty, and interest rate volatility, the S&P 500 is on pace to close the book on its second consecutive year of +20% returns—a phenomenon we haven't seen since the late 1990s.

In this winter edition of the Crescent Wealth Management quarterly newsletter, we share key market insights, year-end planning strategies, and tips to set yourself up for a prosperous new year. Here’s to making your financial future as 'beautiful' as Clark’s Christmas lights—only with a lot more planning and a lot less chaos.

We wish you and your family the the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny Kaye!

The Crescent Wealth Management Team

Anthony, Emory, Kent, Kathy, and Barbi

Included in this edition:

• Market Minute: 2024 Year in Review
• Christmas Trivia
• Know Your Numbers: Important 2025 Financial Data
• Season of Giving: Strategies to Optimize Your Charitable Contributions
• Investing Insights: The Santa Claus Rally
• Community Spotlight: Hurricane Helene Relief
• Christmas Recipe: Barbi's Maple Brown Sugar Ham

2024 in Review:

US Equities Market Indices

S&P 500: +24.34%

Nasdaq: +30.84%

Dow Jones Industrial Average: +13.15%

Russell 2000: +9.83%

US Treasury Yields

1 Year Treasury: -11.00%

2 Year Treasury: +2.12%

5 Year Treasury: +14.81%

10 Year Treasury: +17.64%

30 Year Treasury: +17.90%

International Equities Market Indices

MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East): -0.02%

Nikkei225 (Japan): +17.02%

DAX40 (Germany): +18.43%

EuroStoxx50 (Europe): +7.27%

CAC40(France): --3.63%

Christmas Trivia

(Answer revealed at the bottom of the page)

Numbers You Should Know in 2025

Click on the chart below to view key financial numbers regarding 2025 tax rates, social security, retirement plan contribution limits, Medicare premiums, and more.

Optimize Your Charitable Contributions

The Christmas season is a time for giving, and charitable contributions not only make a positive impact on others but can also offer valuable tax benefits. Donations to qualified charities can be deducted from your taxable income if you itemize deductions, reducing your overall tax liability. Contributions of appreciated assets, like stocks or real estate, can help you avoid capital gains taxes while still receiving a deduction for the fair market value. For those over 73, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA can fulfill required minimum distributions (RMDs) while lowering taxable income. Whether you’re donating cash, assets, or through a donor-advised fund, strategic giving can spread holiday cheer while enhancing your financial well-being.

Click on the link below to see a breakdown of a few charitable giving options or give us a call if you'd like to discuss in further detail.

Investing Insights: The Santa Claus Rally

"If Santa Claus should fail to call, bears may come to Broad and Wall."

- Yale Hursch

It's December, which means its officially time to begin talking about the potential for a Santa Claus Rally. What exactly does that mean? To answer that question, we will revisit a piece that Kent wrote about the Santa Claus Rally in 2022 explaining the history of this phenomenon and what all it entails. Click on the link below to view the full story.

Community Spotlight: Hurricane Helene Relief

On September 27th, Hurricane Helene ravaged Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Millions of people were impacted by the strong winds and historic flooding which resulted in destruction of homes, power outages, and food and gas shortages. In western North Carolina, where the flooding was most significant, residents were faced with life threatening conditions as they were unable to access basic needs such as food, water, or gasoline for several weeks.

Due to the generous donations of Crescent Wealth Management clients and friends, we were collectively able to raise $10,000 to support the relief efforts. We want to thank you all for your quick response and incredible generosity. Every dollar donated was used to support families in crisis in western North Carolina.

One of the largest beneficiaries of your generous contributions was an organization called Samaritan's Purse. This group was one of the first responders in the aftermath of the Hurricane, and they have continued their tireless work to this day. Check out the link for a video highlighting their boots on the ground efforts and a family's heartfelt gratitude.

Barbi's Maple Brown Sugar Ham

"This is the best way to prepare your Christmas ham. I make it every year. The crock pot makes it super simple and its always a crowd pleaser." - Barbi Moyer

Ingredients:

• 7-8lb spiral cut bone-in or boneless ham (I use boneless)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 cups fresh pineapple juice

Instructions:

• Unwrap ham and discard flavor packet
• Rub brown sugar all over the ham and make sure to get into the slices (this is important!)
• Drizzle maple syrup and pineapple juice across the top
• Cover and cook for 4-5 hours on low
• Baste ham every 30 minutes and be sure to get in between the slices
• When ham is done remove from crock pot and allow to rest on cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing

Speak with an advisor:

Would you like to schedule a time to speak with a Crescent Wealth Management advisor? Click on the link below and follow the instructions to schedule a meeting.

Our Team

Trivia Answer:

C) The Bumpuses

Crescent Wealth Management | 864.464.9626 | crescentwm.com

Advisory services provided by NewEdge Advisors, LLC doing business as Crescent Wealth Management, as a registered investment advisor. Securities offered through NewEdge Securities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. NewEdge Advisors, LLC and NewEdge Securities, Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of NewEdge Capital Group, LLC.



The information presented here is available for historical and archival purposes only and does not necessarily represent the current market environment. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change and the information presented here should not be used to make investment decisions. Past performance cannot guarantee future results. The views expressed are not the opinion of NewEdge Securities, Inc., and should not be construed directly or indirectly, as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein.



NOTICE: This email communication including all attachments transmitted with it may contain confidential information intended solely for the use of the addressee. If the reader or recipient of this communication is not the intended recipient, or you believe that you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return email and PROMPTLY delete this email including all attachments without reading them or saving them in any manner. The unauthorized use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this email, including attachments is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.