As of the market close on December 30, 2024, U.S. stock indices reflected a mixed day for investors. Here’s the most current update on market trends and notable individual stock movements:
Major Indices
- Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA): Closed at 42,992.21, down 0.77%. Investors locked in year-end gains, contributing to the decline.
- S&P 500 Index: Finished at 5,932.84, dropping by 1.11%, driven by weakness in tech and growth sectors.
- NASDAQ Composite Index: Ended at 19,594.47, a 0.69% dip, weighed down by losses in major technology stocks.
Key Individual Stocks
- Apple Inc. (AAPL): Declined 0.87%, closing at $253.37. Investors appear cautious about demand trends heading into 2025.
- Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Dropped 0.85%, ending at $426.86. Rising Treasury yields pressured growth-oriented stocks.
- Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN): Fell 0.58%, finishing at $222.44.
- Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): Slightly down 0.24%, closing at $192.30.
- Tesla Inc. (TSLA): Declined by 2.03%, ending at $422.89, amid investor concerns over EV market competition.
- Boeing Co. (BA): Decreased by 1.88%, closing at $177.32 following a fatal South Korean crash involving one of its jets.
Market Dynamics
- Profit-Taking: The declines reflect profit-taking as investors finalize positions at the end of a highly profitable year.
- Rising Treasury Yields: Yields on 10-year Treasury notes hit a seven-month high, leading to a pullback in risk assets, particularly growth stocks.
- Sector Impacts:
- Technology: Pressured by higher yields, which reduce the attractiveness of future earnings.
- Industrial Stocks: Boeing’s decline exemplifies the sector’s susceptibility to operational setbacks.
Year-to-Date Context
Despite today’s pullback:
- The S&P 500 is up approximately 24% for 2024, marking one of the strongest years in recent history.
- Key drivers of the year’s gains include advancements in artificial intelligence and a robust performance from renewable energy stocks.
Outlook for 2025
As the year concludes, attention will shift to:
- Federal Reserve Policy: Interest rate signals and economic data will remain pivotal.
- Corporate Earnings: Fourth-quarter reports will shed light on the resilience of companies amid rising costs.
- Geopolitical Developments: Global events could further impact investor sentiment.
Today’s market reflects the interplay of optimism for 2024’s gains and caution for the uncertainties ahead. The performance serves as a reminder for investors to remain vigilant as they approach the new year.
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