Investment Counsel Reports

The beginning of 2024 offered a continuation of positive returns for equity investors. Despite worrying data points and some echos of market risks from years past, the net results were rewarding.

Stock market averages raced higher to end the final 3 months of the year at a high point. There were real moments of weakness within the quarter and the year, as many stock measures were in negative territory for meaningful periods of time.

The impact of rising trends has been felt everywhere: inflation, Fed Policy, and higher rates make it harder for corporations to increase profits. Hence the negative influence on the stock market.

Wide gaps in performance between various sectors of the market have emerged. These gaps have expanded further in recent weeks and indicate a weak broad market.