On December 26, 2024, stocks exhibited minimal movement, with the S&P 500 decreasing by 0.06% and the Nasdaq Composite rising marginally by 0.02%. Cryptocurrency values also slipped, with Bitcoin and ether down 3% and 3.8% respectively. This quiet market activity followed the release of initial jobless claims data, which showed 210,000 new filings for the week ending December 21, slightly lower than expected. Continuing claims rose slightly to 1.9 million. Despite mixed economic signals, futures markets indicated a strong likelihood that the Federal Reserve would maintain interest rates in January. Pepperstone's Quasar Elizundia highlighted that rising bond yields amid adjusted monetary policy expectations are pressuring equities. Looking ahead, 2025 could see significant developments in the crypto space due to regulatory changes and the political landscape, with President-elect Donald Trump’s promises potentially influencing market conditions. Overall, while investor sentiment seems uncertain regarding the future of interest rates, macroeconomic conditions will likely continue to impact both traditional and crypto markets in the coming year.

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