December 2024 – By Dan Zalipski

As we close the book on 2024, we cannot help but to be thankful and marvel at the market results of the past two years in the face of tough conditions and dire predictions.  Absent a surprise in the last few weeks, the S&P 500 will have produced 20%+ returns in back-to-back years for just the fourth time in its history.  As we look forward to 2025 and calibrate our expectations, we have reasons to be optimistic, but we also find reasons to be cautious.  It is important to be informed and mindful of changing market trends; below are some observations and expectations for the year ahead: