Stevens Capital Partners is committed to keeping clients informed about the current market trends. Key areas of focus in this market commentary include the job market, wage growth, inflation, and potential volatility.
The job market started strong in 2024, exceeding expectations with 216,000 added jobs in December and a wage increase of 4.1%. Despite concerns of a possible recession in 2023, the economy added 2.7 million new jobs. However, wage growth could pose challenges to Federal Reserve policy.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.3% in December and 3.4% over the year, surpassing expectations. Core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose by 3.9%, slightly improved from November’s 4.0% gain. Shelter costs continue to impact inflation, potentially challenging expectations of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
The market rallied at the end of 2023 due to expected dovish moves from the Federal Reserve, but this also increases potential volatility if the narrative changes. Investors will closely watch upcoming inflation, retail sales, and jobs reports to assess consumer health.
Despite market dynamics, Stevens Capital Partners emphasizes the importance of adhering to long-term financial plans. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. We remain committed to prioritizing our clients’ financial well-being.
Stevens Capital Partners is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. Forward-looking statements do not guarantee future results. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission from Stevens Capital Partners.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Early-stage venture investments are high-risk investors that provide a wide range of potential financial returns to investors. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. High-yield bonds involve greater risks of default or downgrade and are more volatile than investment-grade securities, due to the speculative nature of their investments. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk or capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from social, economic, or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to these factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Real estate investments are subject to changes in economic conditions, credit risk, and interest rate fluctuations.
The views contained herein are not to be taken as advice or recommendation to buy or sell any investment in any jurisdiction. Any forecasts, figures, opinions or investment techniques and strategies set out are for information purposes only, based on certain assumptions and current market conditions, and are subject to change without prior notice. All information presented herein is considered to be accurate at the time of the output, but no warranty of accuracy is given and no liability in respect of any error or omission is accepted. It should be noted that the value of investments and the income from them may fluctuate in accordance with market conditions and taxation agreements and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Both past performance and yield may not be a reliable guide to future performance.
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