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If you haven’t checked your portfolio in a while, chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised by your 2024 returns. The Morningstar US Market Index finished the year up more than 24%, which follows 2023’s return of over 26%. You’ve probably forgotten all about the 2022 bear market by now!
This week, we focus on the winners and losers for 2024, along with what may be in store for us in 2025.
Sarah Hansen (with charting assistance from Bella Albrecht) looks back at the major trends that drove markets last year. We’ve boiled it all down to 13 charts and tables.
We also look under the hood at the rally. Albrecht dug into the sectors and stocks that either drove 2024’s rally or were left in the dust. Hint: Think AI stocks.
We’ve also got lists of 2024’s best- and worst-performing stocks, along with the 10 top-performing dividend stocks, which include a venerable computer maker and a fund company.
We’re also looking ahead to 2025. Hansen has two more articles. The first looks at what stock investors need to know to prepare for 2025. The second checks in with six market veterans on the biggest risks they see amid a mostly constructive outlook for this year.
Without a doubt, one of the biggest uncertainties revolves around the next Trump administration and the Republican-dominated Congress. Aron Szapiro, head of retirement studies and public policy for Morningstar, outlines five key areas where policy changes could be on the way.
Lastly, we gauge the outlook for the bond market in 2025. 2024 was a roller coaster year, so what’s next? Ivanna Hampton checked in with Dominic Pappalardo, chief multi-asset strategist at Morningstar Investment Management, on where investors may find the highest bond yields in 2025.
For our complete year-end and 2025 coverage, which includes our fund recaps, check out our review and outlook landing page, here.
That’s it for this week. Be sure to visit our Markets page for our latest coverage and live stock market updates, along with our weekly calendar of key upcoming data and events.
