December stocks face challenges despite strong 2024 gains

### U.S. Stocks Face December Decline Despite Strong 2024; Investors Brace for Potential Headwinds Amid Fed Signals and Rising Yields

Published

1 year ago

December 23, 2024

ticker NEWS

December has brought disappointing returns for U.S. stocks, prompting investors to hope for an upturn.

Despite a strong performance overall in 2024, the benchmark S&P 500 is facing challenges this month.

Historically, the last week of December into early January has seen gains, known as the “Santa Claus Rally,” averaging a 1.3% increase.

However, this year may not follow tradition.

The S&P 500 experienced its largest drop since August after unexpected signals from the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates in 2025.

Negative territory

Furthermore, the breadth of market performance is concerning, with eight of eleven sectors in negative territory for December and the equal-weight S&P 500 down 7%.

Rising Treasury yields are also a worry, with 10-year yields reaching 4.55%, the highest in over six months.

Given the S&P 500’s current trading at 21.6 times forward earnings, significantly above the historical average of 15.8, higher yields could pressure stock valuations.

Market strategist Matt Maley noted that investors are recognising the stock market’s high valuations as the Federal Reserve maintains a tighter stance than anticipated.

Yet, this week’s market pullback could have a silver lining.

It may help mitigate excess optimism in equities, potentially positioning the market for a rebound.

U.S. and China approve TikTok sale to American investors

US and China approve TikTok’s sale to Oracle and Silver Lake amid regulatory scrutiny, with ByteDance retaining 20%.

Published

20 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US and China approve TikTok’s sale to Oracle and Silver Lake amid regulatory scrutiny, with ByteDance retaining 20%.

The United States and China have officially approved a deal for TikTok’s US operations to be sold to American investors, led by Oracle and Silver Lake.

This marks a major shift in the social media landscape as the platform navigates increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Under the new agreement, ByteDance will retain just under 20% of TikTok US, while Oracle and Silver Lake will each take 15% stakes. Other investors will also participate, forming a structure designed to satisfy both commercial and regulatory demands.

The new US-based entity will have a majority American board tasked with overseeing data protection and content moderation. Despite these safeguards, concerns remain about ByteDance’s influence and whether the deal fully complies with recent legislation.

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#TikTokSale #USChinaDeal #Oracle #SilverLake #ByteDance #TechNews #SocialMedia #DataProtection

Money

Markets tumble as Trump tariffs, Greenland rhetoric and Europe backlash collide

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

Published

3 days ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

U.S. equities took a sharp hit as markets reacted to renewed tariff threats and heightened political rhetoric from President Donald Trump. The Dow plunged more than 800 points, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also sliding as investor nerves rattled risk assets.

The sell-off highlights growing concern around global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, with markets struggling to price in what comes next for U.S. economic leadership and policy direction.

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#USMarkets #WallStreet #TrumpTariffs #GlobalMarkets #USDebt #Europe #Davos #Ticker

Money

Gold hits record highs as investors flee risk

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Gold is shining brighter than ever as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty. U.S. gold futures for February delivery jumped 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, while spot gold rose 1.6% to $4,668.14.

The surge comes as geopolitical tensions continue to worry traders, prompting a rush into metals perceived as stable and secure. Analysts say gold is proving its status as the ultimate hedge during turbulent times.

Investors are closely watching markets as gold sets new benchmarks, signalling growing caution across the financial landscape.

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#GoldRally #SafeHaven #InvestingTips #FinancialMarkets #GoldPrices #GlobalEconomy #MarketUpdate #TickerNews