From Inflation to Bitcoin, 9 Charts That Explain 2024

Despite a tumultuous U.S.presidential campaign and intensifying global conflicts, the economy is poised to end 2024 in a stable position.

Inflation has come down substantially and economic growth remains relatively robust, particularly for the United States.But the outlook for 2025 remains murky, as President-elect Donald Trump’s policy changes could affect the economy in unpredictable ways.These nine charts showcase major trends shaping business and the economy — and what to watch in the new year.Stock market highs (upon highs)At the end of 2023, the S&P 500 was surging toward a new high.

In January, it finally reached it, driven in part by the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla.As the bull market continued to run, stock market highs became commonplace.The S&P 500 closed at record highs 57 times this year, with some especially large surges after the election, though the rally has slowed in recent weeks (more on that later).A year of rate cutsA global cool-down in inflation, and with it, anticipation of an easing of monetary policy, have also helped fuel the blockbuster stock market....