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Your daily horoscope: December 30, 2024

  HOROSCOPE IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY You don’t need to make any big resolutions on your birthday. With a new moon to inspire you the right opportunities will arrive at just the right time and you will know without a shadow of a doubt what must be done – and you will do it magnificently! ARIES (March 21 - April 20): If you make yourself useful to someone in a position of authority now they will find ways to repay you early in the new year. That may sound a bit mercenary but in this dog eat dog world who you know is as important as what you know. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): If you want to do something out of the ordinary today, something you know is likely to shock friends and family members, then go for it 100 per cent. It’s a good way to end the old year and an even better way to start the new one. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): It’s time to look ahead and start thinking about your long-term aims and ambitions. That applies as much to personal matters as it does to your career. Y...

Record-Breaking February: S&P 500 and Nasdaq Reach New Heights

 


Investors witnessed an impressive rally in the stock market during February, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite achieving remarkable milestones. Let’s delve into the details of this historic month.

S&P 500: A Stellar Performance

The S&P 500 soared to new heights, closing at 5,095.88, marking an all-time high. This gain of 0.5% on the day capped off the best February for the index since 2015. The positive momentum was fueled by several factors, including a crucial inflation reading and reassuring economic indicators.

Nasdaq Composite: Breaking Records

The Nasdaq Composite stole the spotlight, closing at 16,091.92, its highest close on record. This achievement was particularly significant as it marked the first record close for the Nasdaq since November 2021. The tech-heavy index surged 0.9% on Thursday, reflecting the robust performance of technology companies.

Inflation and Market Sentiment

The closely watched Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index grew 2.4% year-over-year in January, slightly lower than the previous month’s 2.6%. The “core” PCE, the measure often emphasized by Fed Chair Jerome Powell, came in at 2.8%, down from 2.9% in the prior month. Policymakers continue to monitor inflation closely, emphasizing the need for signs of easing price pressures before committing to rate cuts.

Bitcoin’s Resilience

Meanwhile, bitcoin (BTC-USD) maintained its position above $62,000, coming close to its all-time high of $64,000. The leading digital currency’s recent rally has been unprecedented, reminiscent of the pre-“crypto winter” surge in 2022.

Earnings Outlook

As we wrap up the fourth quarter, the S&P 500 is projected to achieve 4% earnings growth compared to the same period last year. Notably, the outlook for earnings growth in the current quarter remains positive, defying the usual downward revisions seen during this time.

In summary, February 2024 will be remembered as a month of remarkable achievements in the stock market. Investors remain cautiously optimistic, closely monitoring economic indicators and inflation trends. As we move forward, the resilience of both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite provides hope for continued growth.


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