Market Recap: Stocks Close Higher as Santa Rally Continues on Christmas Day 2024
Major Indexes End in Positive Territory
On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, major U.S. stock indexes closed higher, continuing the momentum of the “Santa Claus rally” that typically occurs during the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the new year. Despite most global markets being closed for Christmas, the handful of open exchanges saw modest gains, reflecting investor optimism heading into the final days of 2024.
The S&P 500 advanced 1.1% to 6,040.04, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9% to 43,297.03. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.3% to 20,031.13, boosted by strong performances from several big tech companies.
Tech Stocks Lead the Charge
Technology stocks were the primary drivers of Wednesday’s gains. Nvidia (NVDA) continued its impressive run, rising 0.39% to $140.22. Other notable tech gainers included:
– Apple (AAPL): Up 1.1%
– Amazon (AMZN): Closed 1.8% higher
– Broadcom (AVGO): Surged 3.2%
– Tesla (TSLA): Jumped 7.36% to $462.28, leading the S&P 500
The strong performance of these tech giants contributed significantly to the overall market gains, highlighting the sector’s continued importance in driving market trends.
Market Movers and Notable News
Several stocks made significant moves on Wednesday:
– Super Micro Computer: Climbed 6%
– American Airlines (AAL): Ended with a 0.6% gain despite earlier technical issues
– U.S. Steel (X): Rose 1.9% amid ongoing discussions about its proposed sale to Nippon Steel
– NeueHealth: Surged 74.9% after agreeing to be taken private in a $1.3 billion deal
In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) continued its bullish trend, trading at $98,036.55, up 4.25% in the past 24 hours.
Economic Outlook and Upcoming Events
As 2024 draws to a close, investors are keeping a close eye on several factors that could impact market performance in the coming days and into 2025:
1. Federal Reserve Policy: The Fed’s recent indication of potentially fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 has sparked discussions about the future economic landscape.
2. Unemployment Data: Thursday, December 26, will bring the weekly update on U.S. unemployment benefits, providing insights into the labor market’s health.
3. Year-End Trading Patterns: With historically low trading volumes expected in the final days of the year, market participants are prepared for potential volatility.
4. 2025 Economic Projections: Analysts are closely monitoring economic indicators and corporate earnings forecasts for clues about the market’s direction in the new year.
Market Sentiment and Future Outlook
Despite some concerns about high valuations and the potential for “higher-for-longer” interest rates, the U.S. market remains on track to deliver strong returns for 2024. The S&P 500 is up 26.6% year-to-date and sits within 1% of its all-time high, having set 57 record highs throughout the year.
However, market strategists, including Michael Wilson from Morgan Stanley, caution that “expensive/unprofitable growth stocks and low-quality cyclicals appear to be the most vulnerable” in the current economic climate.
As we enter the final trading days of 2024, investors will be watching closely to see if the “Santa Claus rally” can propel stocks to new heights or if concerns about valuations and future economic policies will temper enthusiasm.
Conclusion
The Christmas Day trading session of 2024 saw U.S. markets continue their upward trajectory, driven by strong performances in the tech sector. As investors look ahead to 2025, they remain cautiously optimistic, balancing the potential for continued growth against economic uncertainties and evolving monetary policies. With key economic data and year-end trading patterns still to unfold, the final days of 2024 promise to be an interesting period for market watchers and participants alike.
