HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope that you and your family are doing well!
Our research department at LPL Financial recently unveiled Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism.
The annual update offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic and market environment.
I’m excited to bring to you a few of the key takeaways
which I have summarized in the following video and in the paragraphs
below. Click the graphic below if you’d
like to watch the video:
Looking back on
2024, it clearly echoed many of the themes from 2023. There were some brief
economic growth scares along the way, but the broader economy continued to defy
expectations and surprised once again to the upside. Stocks continued their
strong performance, putting the S&P 500 on track to record its second
consecutive year of 20% plus returns. Powerful trends in artificial
intelligence and technology have continued unabated and largely overshadowed
other factors like election uncertainty, continued geopolitical tension, and
some rich stock valuation levels. After the election, the anticipation of
potentially market-friendly policies from the incoming administration also
helped to bolster stocks.
The bond market,
in contrast, experienced another lackluster year. While the Federal Reserve
(Fed) initiated a long-awaited easing cycle, policy ambiguity and uneasiness
over rising debt levels led to increased volatility in bonds, but no clear directional
trend.
As 2025
approaches, there are reasons to remain cautiously optimistic. Cautious because
no market environment is ever permanent, and change is always potentially
around the corner. Optimistic because constructive long-term technology trends are
recognizably in place. Plus, potential tax policy and deregulation efforts in
2025 could provide some semblance of a tailwind — particularly from an economic
perspective. While risky asset returns are not expected to be as robust as
2024, 2025’s investment environment should prove to be favorable for investors.
These are just
some of the insights you’ll find in Outlook 2025. The full report, combined
with my guidance, can help you navigate through market complexities and
crosscurrents and continue to work toward achieving your goals.
I wish you a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR. As always, please
reach out to me with questions.
Warmest Regards,
Financial Advisor
Certified Financial Planner™
Chartered Sustainable Responsible Impact Investing Counselor™
Four Financial Management
777 E. Eisenhower
Pkwy, Suite 740
Ann Arbor,
MI 48108
(734)
272-4322
(734)
369-3037 (fax)
Securities offered through LPL Financial | Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Four Financial Management a registered investment advisor & separate entity from LPL Financial.
Important Information
This material is for general information only and is not intended
to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no
assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors
or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible
loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as
predicted and are subject to change.
References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally
regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical
composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not
indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees,
expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no
guarantee of future results.
All data
is provided as of December 10, 2024.
Any company names noted herein
are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a
solicitation of their products or services. LPL Financial doesn’t provide
research on individual equities.
All index data from FactSet.
The Standard &
Poor’s 500 Index (S&P500) is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks
designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes
in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries.
Bonds are subject to market
and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as
interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.
There is no guarantee that a
diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a
non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market
risk.
Past performance does not
guarantee future results.
Asset allocation does not
ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
This research material was
prepared by LPL Financial, LLC.
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Not Bank/Credit Union Guaranteed |
Not Bank/Credit Union Deposits
or Obligations |
May Lose Value |
RES-0002200-1024A | For Public Use | Tracking #659982 | #660236 (Exp. 12/2025)
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