As we enter 2025, we’re taking a look back at the key events that shaped markets in the final quarter of 2024.
Our goal is to make market updates simple and easy to understand, so whether you’re a seasoned investor or just curious about what’s happening in the financial world, this review is for you.
In the U.S., markets initially surged following Donald Trump’s re-election, driven by hopes of business-friendly policies. However, by December, those gains slowed down as the Federal Reserve took a cautious approach to cutting interest rates, concerned about ongoing inflation.
Meanwhile, in the UK, markets stayed relatively flat. The Labour government’s new budget, which included some tax increases, created a mixed response from investors. Across Asia, markets were a bit more volatile, with uncertainty in South Korea and trade tensions in China. Despite this, China saw a late recovery after its central bank stepped in with measures to support the economy.
Bond markets around the world delivered small gains, although longer-term bonds lost value as yields rose.
This review breaks down what all this means for you in simple terms—no jargon, just clear insights into how these events might impact your financial goals in 2025.
Read the full Q4 2024 Market Review here to learn more.
