Stock Market Recap: Why Was the Market Up Today? – December 13, 2024
Major Indexes Close Higher on Fed Rate Cut Expectations
The U.S. stock market ended Friday, December 13, 2024, on a positive note, with all three major indexes closing higher. This upward movement came after a brief dip on Thursday, as investors digested mixed economic data and remained optimistic about potential interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) gained 0.3%, closing at 44,046.56. This modest increase helped the blue-chip index recover some of its losses from the previous session. The S&P 500 rose 0.5%, finishing at 6,081.50, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite outperformed, climbing 0.8% to end at 20,061.46.
Fed Rate Cut Expectations Fuel Market Optimism
The primary driver behind today’s market gains was the growing expectation of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in its upcoming meeting on December 17-18. The CME FedWatch Tool currently shows a 96.4% probability of a 25-basis-point cut, up from about 66% at the beginning of last week.
Market participants are interpreting recent economic data, including November’s inflation and labor reports, as signs that the Fed might be ready to ease its monetary policy. The gradual reduction in inflation rates, coupled with the solid fundamentals of the U.S. economy, is fueling hopes for a “soft landing” scenario.
Tech Sector Leads the Charge
The technology sector continued to be a significant contributor to market gains, with artificial intelligence (AI) remaining a key focus for investors. Broadcom (AVGO) surged 15% in today’s trading after forecasting quarterly revenue above Wall Street estimates and predicting booming demand for its custom AI chips in the coming years.
This optimism spread to other chip stocks, with Marvell Technology (MRVL) rising 5.6%, Micron Technology (MU) gaining 2%, and AI bellwether Nvidia (NVDA) up 1.1%. The persistent rally in technology stocks has been a major factor in propelling the Nasdaq above the 20,000 mark earlier this week.
Other Notable Stock Movements
– Salesforce (CRM) saw a 1.8% increase after KeyBanc upgraded the cloud software seller’s stock to “overweight” from “sector weight.”
– UnitedHealth Group (UNH) experienced a 3.3% decline, making it the biggest loser among Dow components.
– The Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE), Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV), and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector (XLY) each fell 0.8%.
– On a positive note, the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP) rose 0.3%.
Market Breadth and Volatility
Despite the overall positive close, market breadth was negative. Decliners outnumbered advancers on the NYSE by a 3.11-to-1 ratio, while on the Nasdaq, a 2.57-to-1 ratio favored declining issues. The fear-gauge CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) increased by 2.5% to 13.92, indicating a slight uptick in market uncertainty.
Upcoming Market Events to Watch
As we look ahead, investors should keep an eye on several key events that could impact market movements:
1. Federal Reserve Meeting (December 17-18): All eyes will be on the Fed’s decision regarding interest rates and any forward guidance provided.
2. Q4 Earnings Season: Major companies will start reporting their fourth-quarter results in mid-January, providing insights into corporate performance and 2025 outlooks.
3. Economic Data Releases: Upcoming reports on retail sales, housing starts, and the Producer Price Index (PPI) will offer further clues about the state of the economy.
4. Geopolitical Developments: Ongoing global events, including trade negotiations and political shifts, may continue to influence market sentiment.
Conclusion: Cautious Optimism Prevails
As we wrap up this week’s trading, the market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. The potential for a Fed rate cut, combined with the ongoing AI boom, continues to support stock prices. However, investors should remain vigilant, as mixed economic data and geopolitical uncertainties could lead to market volatility in the coming weeks.
Remember to stay informed and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions based on market movements. As always, diversification and a long-term perspective remain key strategies for navigating the ever-changing landscape of the stock market.
