New York, NY – Stock futures are showing a slight decline as investors gear up for the final trading day of 2024. Wall Street has experienced another remarkable year, with the S&P 500 marking its second consecutive annual gain of over 20%. This surge has been attributed to a combination of factors including enthusiasm for rate cuts, robust economic growth, and advancements in artificial intelligence.

Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average have dipped slightly, while S&P 500 futures have edged downwards. Nasdaq-100 futures have also experienced a minor decline. The S&P has seen a substantial increase of more than 23.8%, putting it on track for another year of significant gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite have also performed well, with gains of nearly 13% and 29.8% respectively.

Throughout the year, the rise of artificial intelligence technology has played a pivotal role in driving the stock market’s gains. Major tech companies such as Nvidia and Apple have seen their stocks reach new heights, contributing to record levels for the major indexes. Additionally, the Federal Reserve’s decisions to cut rates following a period of aggressive hikes have instilled confidence in the market, with hopes for continued economic growth.

In November, President-elect Donald Trump’s successful reelection campaign further boosted market optimism. His promises of deregulation, corporate tax cuts, and a focus on the U.S. economy have resonated with investors. Notably, expectations of a cryptocurrency-friendly administration have propelled Bitcoin to a record high above $108,000. Tesla has also benefited from the election results, thanks to CEO Elon Musk’s close ties to Trump.

Despite a strong performance throughout the year, the stock market is ending 2024 on a slightly sour note. Recent sessions have seen a loss of momentum, with investors reevaluating their positions in light of the year’s gains. December has proven to be a challenging month for equities, with some of 2024’s biggest winners facing profit-taking pressure. The Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P are all experiencing fluctuations as the year comes to a close.

Investors had been hopeful for a traditional Santa Claus rally, but recent declines have dashed those expectations. Instead, the market has seen consecutive days of losses, with the S&P 500 dropping by at least 1% in recent sessions. As the year comes to a close, investors are keeping a close eye on market trends and preparing for what 2025 may bring.