*Performance since 7/1/2022. For more details on the performance calculation and methodology of Alpha Picks, click here. |
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► The Santa Claus Market Rally kicked off Christmas Eve, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.1%, the Dow up nearly 1%, and the Nasdaq up 1.35% near an all-time high, its third strongest trading session.
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► After the Christmas holiday, the 10-year Treasury yield rose 4.63%, while Dow Jones futures fell 0.6%, S&P 500 futures slid 0.4%, and Nasdaq futures retreated 0.5%. Will the Santa Claus Rally continue through year-end?
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► Retail spending exceeded expectations, climbing 4.8% year over year, and initial jobless claims for the week ending December 21 fell to 219k versus the previous consensus of 223k.
| ► Crypto trends remain in focus following the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs, and increased institutional interest has fueled the 2024 crypto rally. However, Bitcoin slid to $95,000 this week, erasing its Christmas gains.
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► Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, prompting concerns over global energy security and heightening geopolitical tensions. This event has contributed to market uncertainty and volatility.
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Alpha Picks is a rigorous, data-driven model that offers Strong Buy-rated stocks believed to have the highest probability of capital appreciation based on a proprietary quantitative model. Two Strong Buy-rated stocks are selected monthly on the first trading day of the month and the 15th or the closest trading day thereafter. |
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Global Market Movements and Sector Performance |
One of the most watched phenomena during this period is the Santa Claus Rally. In this historical trend, stock markets often climb during the last five trading days of December and January's first two trading sessions. Read More. |
Geopolitical Events: Russia Launches Christmas Day Attack
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Russia launched a Christmas Day attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, launching a barrage of missiles and drones. Reports indicate Ukrainians sought shelter in metro stations on Christmas morning following impacts to a thermal power plant. Read More. |
The Consumer Discretionary (XLY) sector emerged as the leader, gaining 2.05% for the week, while Technology (XLK) notched a close second-place performance. Read More. |
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This year is coming to a close, having experienced significant developments in the cryptocurrency space, including the SEC's approval of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs. These milestones are opening doors for more traditional investors to partake in crypto and are driving institutional interest and investment flows into the space. Read More. |
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The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) remains near its two-year high following the Fed's projected pace of two more cuts in 2025. Read More. |
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2025 could be a calm year for the U.S. stock market, as the Federal Reserve plans only two rate cuts, down from the four projected in September. Historically, the S&P 500 tends to underperform when the Fed makes larger rate changes, suggesting limited cuts may help keep volatility low. |
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► FOMC: The Fed's latest rate cut indicates fewer reductions in 2025 —a more cautious approach to monetary easing, maintaining a target range of 4.25% to 4.50%. However, the committee's "dot plot" suggests fewer rate cuts in 2025 than previously anticipated, potentially leading to sustained higher rates for a longer period.
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► Inflation: November CPI showcased a 12-month inflation rate of 2.7%, an increase of 0.3%, and solidified persistent underlying inflationary pressures.
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► Labor Market: American jobless claims dipped to their lowest in a month, sliding 1,000 to a seasonally adjusted 219,000 for the week ending December 21, versus the previous consensus of 223k.
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| Daily Journal Corporation (DJCO) |
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| BlackRock Municipal 2030 Target Term (BTT) BlackRock Municipal Income Quality Test (BYM) |
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| New Year's Day - Markets Closed |
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| Initial Jobless Claims
Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (LFCR) |
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| BlackRock Core Bond Trust (BHK) Aehr Test Systems, Inc. (AEHR) |
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*Performance is as of December 27, 2024. Alpha Picks adds two stocks per month - on the closest business day to the 1st & 15th. Alpha Picks removes stocks based on rating thresholds (i.e., when a rating changes to a sell). Performance is calculated and reported daily using time-weighted returns. For more details on the performance calculation and methodology of Alpha Picks, click here.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Alpha Picks does not take account of your objectives or your financial situation and does not offer any personalized investment advice. Any content and tools on the platform are offered for information purposes only. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker, U.S. investment adviser, or investment bank. |
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