The Weekly Update
Week of December 30th, 2024
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®
Stocks notched a slight gain over the holiday week. A tech-driven rally in the first half of the week was clawed back in the second half as investors took profits following the market holiday.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.67 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.76 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.35 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.54 percent.
Ho-Ho, Then No-Go
Stocks rallied during the first half of a shortened holiday trading week. Holiday cheer won out despite news of declining consumer confidence in December, a drop in durable goods, and new home sales reporting below expectations.
The “Santa rally” lost its ho-ho-go after the midweek holiday. Megacap technology stocks led markets down on Friday, giving back most of the gains from the first half of the week.
The Real Santa
While Santa got the headlines, the consumer drove the holiday shopping sleigh this year.
Holiday spending—defined by the period from November 1 through December 24—rose 3.8 percent in 2024, compared with 3.1 percent in 2023. Economists closely follow consumer activity since consumer spending makes up roughly two-thirds of total gross domestic product. Market watchers attributed the strong job market and growth in household wealth as the primary drivers of consumer strength.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Pending Home Sales. 3-Month Treasury Bill Auction.
Tuesday: Case-Shiller Home Price Index.
Wednesday: Stock market closed.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. EIA Petroleum Status Report. Fed Balance Sheet. 30-Year Treasury Bond Announcement.
Friday: Motor Vehicle Sales. ISM Manufacturing Index. Federal Reserve Officials Thomas Barkin and Mary Daly speak.
Source: Investor’s Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; December 27, 2024
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Friday: The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX)
Source: Zacks, December 27, 2024
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.
