December 2024
03/01/25 15:32
S&P500
In December 2024, the S&P 500 experienced a decline of approximately 2.6%, marking its most significant year-end drop since at least 1952.  Despite this downturn, the index achieved a robust annual gain of 23.3%, following a 24% increase in 2023.  This back-to-back performance of over 20% annual gains is a rare occurrence, not seen since the late 1990s. 
The December decline was influenced by several factors, including profit-taking by investors and concerns over potential interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve. Additionally, the market’s concentration in a few large technology companies, often referred to as “The Magnificent Seven,” contributed to increased volatility. 
Despite the December setback, the S&P 500’s strong annual performance reflects investor optimism and resilience in the face of economic uncertainties.
CRUDE OIL
Analysts suggest that while the market remains well-supplied, potential production challenges in countries like Iran, Venezuela, and Russia could lead to price increases in 2025. Additionally, investor focus is shifting towards the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and the economic policies of President-elect Donald Trump, which are expected to be pro-growth and inflationary. 
In summary, December 2024 was characterised by significant volatility in crude oil prices, influenced by a complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and economic indicators.
BITCOIN
In December 2024, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $108,319, driven by institutional interest, economic factors, and regulatory clarity. In summary, December 2024 was a milestone month for Bitcoin, with the cryptocurrency reaching unprecedented highs before experiencing a correction. The factors contributing to its performance suggest a complex interplay of market dynamics, regulatory developments, and investor sentiment.
In December 2024, the S&P 500 experienced a decline of approximately 2.6%, marking its most significant year-end drop since at least 1952.  Despite this downturn, the index achieved a robust annual gain of 23.3%, following a 24% increase in 2023.  This back-to-back performance of over 20% annual gains is a rare occurrence, not seen since the late 1990s. 
The December decline was influenced by several factors, including profit-taking by investors and concerns over potential interest rate adjustments by the Federal Reserve. Additionally, the market’s concentration in a few large technology companies, often referred to as “The Magnificent Seven,” contributed to increased volatility. 
Despite the December setback, the S&P 500’s strong annual performance reflects investor optimism and resilience in the face of economic uncertainties.
CRUDE OIL
Analysts suggest that while the market remains well-supplied, potential production challenges in countries like Iran, Venezuela, and Russia could lead to price increases in 2025. Additionally, investor focus is shifting towards the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and the economic policies of President-elect Donald Trump, which are expected to be pro-growth and inflationary. 
In summary, December 2024 was characterised by significant volatility in crude oil prices, influenced by a complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and economic indicators.
BITCOIN
In December 2024, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $108,319, driven by institutional interest, economic factors, and regulatory clarity. In summary, December 2024 was a milestone month for Bitcoin, with the cryptocurrency reaching unprecedented highs before experiencing a correction. The factors contributing to its performance suggest a complex interplay of market dynamics, regulatory developments, and investor sentiment.
November 2024
01/12/24 13:25
S&P500
In November 2024, the S&P 500 delivered an exceptional performance, surging nearly 8.9% and reaching an all-time high of 6,032. This strong rally was fuelled by investor optimism over potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and improving economic indicators. Market momentum was further supported by favourable corporate earnings and easing bond yields. The rally capped one of the best months for the index in recent history, continuing a bullish trend despite broader concerns about valuations and inflationary pressures.
CRUDE OIL
In November 2024, crude oil prices experienced significant fluctuations. Brent crude oil opened the month near $73 per barrel but declined steadily, ending mid-November around $72. This drop was driven by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and weaker-than-expected global demand, particularly from China, which continued to experience sluggish economic activity. Additionally, the global oil market remained well-supplied, with resumption of Libyan output and increased production from non-OPEC+ countries like the United States and Canada.
Demand concerns were heightened by a global economic slowdown and rising adoption of alternative energy sources. Meanwhile, OPEC+ maintained its production cuts to stabilise the market but announced plans to gradually unwind these cuts starting in January 2025, further pressuring prices.
Overall, crude oil markets in November reflected a bearish outlook, with prices trending lower amid concerns of oversupply and weak demand heading into 2025.
BITCOIN
In November 2024, Bitcoin delivered a standout performance, achieving one of its best months in recent history. The cryptocurrency rose approximately 36%, marking its fourth-strongest month since October 2021. This rally pushed Bitcoin to new all-time highs, reaching just under $100,000 by the month’s end. Key drivers of this performance included renewed market enthusiasm following the U.S. presidential election and sustained bullish sentiment fueled by previous institutional adoption trends, such as Bitcoin ETF approvals earlier in the year.
Market analysts observed that Bitcoin’s relative strength index (RSI) suggested the rally still had room to grow, indicating that momentum was not yet overheated. November’s gains positioned Bitcoin for its strongest quarter since early 2024, setting the stage for potential further growth as 2024 concluded.
In November 2024, the S&P 500 delivered an exceptional performance, surging nearly 8.9% and reaching an all-time high of 6,032. This strong rally was fuelled by investor optimism over potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and improving economic indicators. Market momentum was further supported by favourable corporate earnings and easing bond yields. The rally capped one of the best months for the index in recent history, continuing a bullish trend despite broader concerns about valuations and inflationary pressures.
CRUDE OIL
In November 2024, crude oil prices experienced significant fluctuations. Brent crude oil opened the month near $73 per barrel but declined steadily, ending mid-November around $72. This drop was driven by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and weaker-than-expected global demand, particularly from China, which continued to experience sluggish economic activity. Additionally, the global oil market remained well-supplied, with resumption of Libyan output and increased production from non-OPEC+ countries like the United States and Canada.
Demand concerns were heightened by a global economic slowdown and rising adoption of alternative energy sources. Meanwhile, OPEC+ maintained its production cuts to stabilise the market but announced plans to gradually unwind these cuts starting in January 2025, further pressuring prices.
Overall, crude oil markets in November reflected a bearish outlook, with prices trending lower amid concerns of oversupply and weak demand heading into 2025.
BITCOIN
In November 2024, Bitcoin delivered a standout performance, achieving one of its best months in recent history. The cryptocurrency rose approximately 36%, marking its fourth-strongest month since October 2021. This rally pushed Bitcoin to new all-time highs, reaching just under $100,000 by the month’s end. Key drivers of this performance included renewed market enthusiasm following the U.S. presidential election and sustained bullish sentiment fueled by previous institutional adoption trends, such as Bitcoin ETF approvals earlier in the year.
Market analysts observed that Bitcoin’s relative strength index (RSI) suggested the rally still had room to grow, indicating that momentum was not yet overheated. November’s gains positioned Bitcoin for its strongest quarter since early 2024, setting the stage for potential further growth as 2024 concluded.
October 2024
31/10/24 22:33
S&P 500
In October 2024, the S&P 500 ended a five-month winning streak, declining by about 1% as it closed at 5,705 points. This pullback was driven by volatility in bond markets, with rising yields adding pressure to equities, especially in tech-heavy segments. Despite this monthly drop, the index’s overall year-to-date gains remained strong, attributed to earlier rallies fueled by optimism in sectors like technology and financials, as well as AI-driven market enthusiasm
CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices experienced fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions, market uncertainty, and changes in global supply-demand dynamics. Brent crude prices began the month around $81 but steadily declined, reaching approximately $71.63 per barrel by late October. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices fell to about $67.38 per barrel as of October 28. These shifts were influenced primarily by supply disruptions from the Middle East and fluctuations in demand forecasts amid global economic concerns.
This month also saw resistance and support levels shifting in line with these changes, and overall market sentiment leaned bearish by the end of the month as prices trended lower compared to earlier highs in September. While initial supply fears drove prices up, a re-stabilization of production levels and inventory build-up contributed to price softening in the latter part of October.
BITCOIN
Bitcoin saw a strong surge, aligning with the “Uptober” trend often associated with this month. Early October showed solid gains as Bitcoin’s price initially surged past $68,000. This upward momentum was sustained by increasing institutional interest and positive sentiment across the cryptocurrency market, which fueled both volume and investor optimism. Mid-month, Bitcoin experienced a brief dip due to some profit-taking, but it quickly regained strength, ending October around $70,000, up significantly from its start-of-month levels
Analysts see this rally as part of a larger bullish trend, suggesting the potential for further price growth as Bitcoin heads toward the end of the year. October’s performance was particularly significant, as it not only boosted Bitcoin but also had a ripple effect on altcoins and general market sentiment, reinforcing the market’s enthusiasm for “Uptober.”
In October 2024, the S&P 500 ended a five-month winning streak, declining by about 1% as it closed at 5,705 points. This pullback was driven by volatility in bond markets, with rising yields adding pressure to equities, especially in tech-heavy segments. Despite this monthly drop, the index’s overall year-to-date gains remained strong, attributed to earlier rallies fueled by optimism in sectors like technology and financials, as well as AI-driven market enthusiasm
CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices experienced fluctuations due to geopolitical tensions, market uncertainty, and changes in global supply-demand dynamics. Brent crude prices began the month around $81 but steadily declined, reaching approximately $71.63 per barrel by late October. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices fell to about $67.38 per barrel as of October 28. These shifts were influenced primarily by supply disruptions from the Middle East and fluctuations in demand forecasts amid global economic concerns.
This month also saw resistance and support levels shifting in line with these changes, and overall market sentiment leaned bearish by the end of the month as prices trended lower compared to earlier highs in September. While initial supply fears drove prices up, a re-stabilization of production levels and inventory build-up contributed to price softening in the latter part of October.
BITCOIN
Bitcoin saw a strong surge, aligning with the “Uptober” trend often associated with this month. Early October showed solid gains as Bitcoin’s price initially surged past $68,000. This upward momentum was sustained by increasing institutional interest and positive sentiment across the cryptocurrency market, which fueled both volume and investor optimism. Mid-month, Bitcoin experienced a brief dip due to some profit-taking, but it quickly regained strength, ending October around $70,000, up significantly from its start-of-month levels
Analysts see this rally as part of a larger bullish trend, suggesting the potential for further price growth as Bitcoin heads toward the end of the year. October’s performance was particularly significant, as it not only boosted Bitcoin but also had a ripple effect on altcoins and general market sentiment, reinforcing the market’s enthusiasm for “Uptober.”
September 2024
30/10/24 14:48
S&P500
In September 2024, the S&P 500 index experienced a modest gain, closing the month with a 2.02% increase. This performance marked a slight decrease from its 2.28% gain in August, yet remained significantly better than the -4.87% loss seen in September 2023. Despite market volatility and ongoing economic pressures, the index maintained its upward trajectory, supported by factors like strong earnings from technology and financial sectors and relatively stable economic indicators. For the year-to-date period, the S&P 500 posted an impressive cumulative gain, nearing 23% by the end of October
CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices saw significant declines. Both Brent crude and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell, with Brent crude dipping below $69 per barrel for the first time since May 2023 and WTI reaching around $65 per barrel, its lowest since March 2023. This decline was influenced by OPEC’s reduction in its demand forecast for 2024, primarily due to economic concerns in China, one of the world’s largest oil consumers. Weakness in China’s real estate sector and increased use of alternatives like LNG trucks and electric vehicles have raised concerns about future oil demand from the region.
OPEC’s decision to limit production increases, combined with recent volatility in global markets, has also contributed to supply-side uncertainty, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, demand from U.S. consumers remains relatively stable, driven by strong household consumption, which has helped mitigate some of the downward pressure on oil prices. Looking ahead, analysts predict that while there may be some stabilization, oil prices could remain vulnerable to fluctuations depending on global economic and geopolitical developments.
BITCOIN
Bitcoin defied its traditionally poor performance during this month, closing with a notable gain of around 8-10%, marking one of its best September performances in a decade. This increase was driven by a favorable economic environment with interest rate cuts by major central banks, including the Federal Reserve and the People’s Bank of China, spurring risk appetite and positive sentiment in financial markets. The “Coinbase Premium”—a metric reflecting increased buying pressure on U.S.-based Coinbase versus Binance—also showed heightened demand in the U.S., contributing to the asset’s price rise to over $66,000 in late September.
Analysts are optimistic about Bitcoin’s performance in the upcoming fourth quarter, with historical patterns indicating strong Q4 gains when September is positive. Bitcoin’s upward trend through September and its resilience amid volatility have many investors watching closely, as Q4 has often proven bullish following gains in September
In September 2024, the S&P 500 index experienced a modest gain, closing the month with a 2.02% increase. This performance marked a slight decrease from its 2.28% gain in August, yet remained significantly better than the -4.87% loss seen in September 2023. Despite market volatility and ongoing economic pressures, the index maintained its upward trajectory, supported by factors like strong earnings from technology and financial sectors and relatively stable economic indicators. For the year-to-date period, the S&P 500 posted an impressive cumulative gain, nearing 23% by the end of October
CRUDE OIL
Crude oil prices saw significant declines. Both Brent crude and U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell, with Brent crude dipping below $69 per barrel for the first time since May 2023 and WTI reaching around $65 per barrel, its lowest since March 2023. This decline was influenced by OPEC’s reduction in its demand forecast for 2024, primarily due to economic concerns in China, one of the world’s largest oil consumers. Weakness in China’s real estate sector and increased use of alternatives like LNG trucks and electric vehicles have raised concerns about future oil demand from the region.
OPEC’s decision to limit production increases, combined with recent volatility in global markets, has also contributed to supply-side uncertainty, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, demand from U.S. consumers remains relatively stable, driven by strong household consumption, which has helped mitigate some of the downward pressure on oil prices. Looking ahead, analysts predict that while there may be some stabilization, oil prices could remain vulnerable to fluctuations depending on global economic and geopolitical developments.
BITCOIN
Bitcoin defied its traditionally poor performance during this month, closing with a notable gain of around 8-10%, marking one of its best September performances in a decade. This increase was driven by a favorable economic environment with interest rate cuts by major central banks, including the Federal Reserve and the People’s Bank of China, spurring risk appetite and positive sentiment in financial markets. The “Coinbase Premium”—a metric reflecting increased buying pressure on U.S.-based Coinbase versus Binance—also showed heightened demand in the U.S., contributing to the asset’s price rise to over $66,000 in late September.
Analysts are optimistic about Bitcoin’s performance in the upcoming fourth quarter, with historical patterns indicating strong Q4 gains when September is positive. Bitcoin’s upward trend through September and its resilience amid volatility have many investors watching closely, as Q4 has often proven bullish following gains in September