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Wed, December 11, 2024

Should You Buy Stocks Before the End of the Year? Here's What History Says


Published on 2024-12-11 09:41:09 - MSN
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  • With only two weeks left to 2024, investors are considering their next steps. Should you pile into stocks right now? Wait for the new year? Does it even matter? It might. Or it might not. The January Effect There has been a phenomenon going back more than 100 years that stocks -- or at least small-cap stocks -- tend to rise in January more than

The article from MSN Money discusses whether investors should buy stocks before the end of the year, analyzing historical trends to guide investment decisions. Historically, December has been a favorable month for stock market performance, often referred to as the "Santa Claus Rally," where stocks tend to rise due to holiday optimism, tax considerations, and portfolio window dressing by fund managers. Data indicates that the S&P 500 has ended the year positively in about 75% of the years since 1950. However, the article cautions that past performance isn't a guaranteed predictor of future results, and other factors like economic conditions, geopolitical events, and market sentiment play significant roles. It suggests that while there might be a seasonal uptick, investors should consider their long-term strategy, risk tolerance, and current market conditions rather than solely relying on historical trends. The piece concludes by advising investors to remain diversified and possibly consult with financial advisors before making significant investment moves at year-end.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/top-stocks/should-you-buy-stocks-before-the-end-of-the-year-here-s-what-history-says/ar-AA1vFtXZ ]
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