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Questions and Answers
What is the main reason for the recent bullish behavior of investors in the US stock market?
Which event primarily caused a negative shift in the stock market at the beginning of October?
What was the S&P 500's performance milestone achieved in 2024?
What is referred to as the driving force behind consumer spending in the US economy?
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What phenomenon has recently influenced trading behaviors on Wall Street?
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What was the reaction of the CNN Fear & Greed Index recently?
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How has the market sentiment changed from early August to now?
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What economic factor demonstrates resilience despite concerns in the US economy?
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Study Notes
US Stock Market Performance in 2024
- The S&P 500 reached 43 record highs in 2024.
- The index is up 20.8% year-to-date, the strongest start since 1997 (dot-com boom).
- This growth is fueled by hopes of a "soft landing" for the US economy and anticipated Fed rate cuts.
- Investor sentiment shifted from "extreme fear" in August to "extreme greed" in late September/early October.
- Concerns remain, including a potential Iranian missile attack, a typhoon affecting Taiwan's chip production, and the historically weak month of October for the stock market.
Economic Factors and Market Sentiment
- Despite port strikes and Federal Reserve efforts to control unemployment, investor bullishness remains strong.
- Consumer spending shows surprising resilience, defying predictions of a downturn despite high living costs and borrowing rates. This is crucial because consumer spending is the largest component of the US economy.
- The Federal Reserve's recent large rate cut aims to prevent unemployment from rising.
- The "fear of missing out" (FOMO) is currently a significant driver of market activity.
Contrasting Perspectives
- Kristina Hooper (Invesco) attributes the market performance to the US economy's resilience and anticipation of Fed rate cuts.
- Michael Block (AgentSmyth) highlights concerns about the Iranian missile threat as a current market scare and notes the lingering impact of FOMO.
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Description
This quiz examines the remarkable performance of the US stock market in 2024, spotlighting key milestones such as the S&P 500's record highs and the factors influencing its growth. Explore the shifts in investor sentiment and the economic factors at play, including consumer spending and Federal Reserve actions. Test your knowledge on the dynamics shaping the market landscape in this pivotal year.
