The year 2024 was a remarkable period for equity investors, with exciting technological advancements, welcomed interest rate cuts, and resilient consumer spending. As we look back, several key trends and events stand out that shaped the global investment environment.
Global markets performed well in the third quarter of 2024, continuing their positive trend this year. This was influenced by factors such as strong corporate profits, lower inflation, and interest rate cuts by central banks worldwide.
Here's a deeper look at the factors at play to start the year.
he markets have been volatile recently because inflation has not declined as expected, and interest rates remain high. Investors had thought central banks would have started discussing interest rate cuts by now, but that has yet to happen.
Since the beginning of the year, Canadian and U.S. economic data has pointed to stubborn inflation resulting in market pricing in more interest rate hikes than expected.
The first quarter (Q1) of 2023 was a rollercoaster ride for investors. Market volatility unfolded following U.S. and European banking turmoil, and interest rates and inflation climbed—evoking investor fears about financial stability.