Dow and S&P 500 Set for Minor Losses as First Trading Day of December Kicks Off
Stock futures nudged lower Monday morning as investors shifted their focus towards the final month stock market trading in 2024.
Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 99 points, or 0.22%, while S&P 500 futures ticked down by 0.23%. Nasdaq 100 futures edged down 0.21%. These movements followed a remarkable week and month for stocks.
November proved a winning month for stocks, driven largely by optimism following President-elect Donald Trump’s election victory.
November witnessed the highest performances for both the Dow and S&P 500 in 2024, with both indexes hitting record highs in Friday’s shortened trading session.
Meanwhile, smaller companies saw their own gains in November, fueled by investor expectations of tax cuts under the upcoming noprint-administration. The Russell 2000 surged more than 10% for the month, marking its strongest monthly gain this year.
Eye on Economic Data Release
Investors will closely watch for the release of economic data on Monday, primarily focusing on manufacturing and construction spending. This data release comes ahead of numerous anticipated labor reports later in the week, which will be considered closely.
Markets also await speeches from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller and New York Fed President John Williams. Their words are anticipated to provide further insights into the future, direction of monetary policy.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dipped 0.12% on Tuesday, Oxford Economics Analysts said.
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The three major indexes demonstrated strong performance during the final week of November, with the Dow gaining 1.4%, pushing its monthly gain to a healthy 7.5%. The S&P 500 added 1.1% for the week, concluding November with a rise of 5.7%. Similarly, the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.1% for the week, closing November with a 6.2% advance.
What factors are contributing to investor sentiment in December 2024?
## A Look at December Trading
**[Anchor]**: Joining us now is financial analyst [Guest Name] to discuss the market outlook for December. Thanks for being with us.
**[Guest Name]**: Thanks for having me.
**[Anchor]**: We’re seeing futures point to a slightly lower open for the Dow and S&P 500 as December kicks off. What are your thoughts on this initial movement?
**[Guest Name]**: Well, it’s not unusual to see some hesitancy at the start of a new month, especially as we enter the final stretch of the year. Investors are likely taking a breather after a period of strong performance and assessing the landscape for the weeks ahead.
**[Anchor]**: We’ve seen volatility throughout 2024. Are there any particular factors driving investor sentiment right now?
**[Guest Name]**: A few things are at play. Economic data remains mixed, with some signs of slowing growth. Inflation, while moderating, is still a concern for many. And of course, there’s the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
**[Anchor]**: So, what’s your prediction for December?
**[Guest Name]**: It’s difficult to say for certain. We could see some continued volatility, but I expect the overall trend to remain positive. Companies are still reporting strong earnings, and consumer spending remains relatively robust.
**[Anchor]**: Any advice for investors navigating this environment?
**[Guest Name]**: It’s important to stay disciplined and stick to your long-term investment strategy. Don’t let short-term fluctuations rattle you. And as always, diversify your portfolio to manage risk.
**[Anchor]**: Great insights, [Guest Name]. Thank you for joining us.
**[Guest Name]**: My pleasure.
