S&P 500 Relies on Tech for Growth in Q4 2024, Says Barclays 
Fed May Resume Rate Hikes: BofA Analysts Outline Key Scenarios 
China's Refining Industry Faces Major Shakeup Amid Challenges 
Urban studies: Doing research when every city is different 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Why the Middle East is being left behind by global climate finance plans 
Tempus AI Stock Soars 18% After Pelosi's Investment Disclosure 
U.S. Treasury Yields Expected to Decline Amid Cooling Economic Pressures 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Gold Prices Slide as Rate Cut Prospects Diminish; Copper Gains on China Stimulus Hopes 
South Korea to End Short-Selling Ban as Financial Market Uncertainty Persists 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
S&P 500 Surges Ahead of Trump Inauguration as Markets Rally 
Investors value green labels — but not always for the right reasons 
As 2025 begins, markets balance optimism and caution after the S&P 500's stellar two-year run, its best since the late 1990s. Key drivers like Federal Reserve rate cuts, a soft economic landing, and AI-driven growth fueled investor confidence. However, the stakes are high as pivotal January events could shape the year ahead.
The Speaker of the House election on January 3 is the first major test. President-elect Donald Trump’s endorsement of Speaker Johnson raises the stakes, with investors monitoring Republican unity. A smooth election could boost confidence, while a contentious process might spark concerns about legislative effectiveness.
On January 10, the jobs report will gauge labor market health. A weak report may stoke fears of an economic slowdown, while strong numbers could dampen hopes for further rate cuts, lifting Treasury yields and pressuring stocks. Markets hope for moderate job growth to avoid both inflationary pressures and recession fears.
Corporate earnings season kicks off January 13, with 2025 growth estimates set at 15%, far above historical averages. Following a tech-driven 2024, major firms like the “Mag 7” must deliver strong results to sustain valuations. Disappointing earnings or cautious guidance could heighten market volatility.
The January 15 Consumer Price Index (CPI) release will be pivotal. With inflation showing signs of rebounding, a softer CPI could renew hopes for more rate cuts, while a hotter reading might drive yields higher, risking the equity rally.
Finally, the Federal Reserve’s January 29 meeting will reveal its policy stance. While no rate cuts are expected, a dovish tone is critical for sustaining market momentum. Any hint of policy tightening could dampen the bull market's foundation.
January's events will set the tone for 2025, leaving little room for missteps in an already high-expectation environment.
