The stock market on Wall Street is moving down a little. This is Tuesday. It was the last trading day of the Wall Street year, which has been beneficial overall. Market Update Stocks Bitcoin and gold are poised to end the year with substantial gains, while China’s industrial sector grew slower than expected in December.
China’s Manufacturing Expands Slows
On Tuesday, purchasing managers index data showed that China’s manufacturing sector expanded in December, although slower than expected. This marks the third consecutive month of expansion, thanks to the plethora of new stimulus measures that have been put in place. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the manufacturing PMI was 50.1 in December.
A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. The study found that the production activities of manufacturing businesses continued to expand. Rapidly, most major indicators that make up the manufacturing PMI were above the critical mark.
China Plans Looser Policy Targeted Stimulus
During a Politburo meeting in 2025, the Chinese government signaled its intention to embrace somewhat looser monetary policy and conduct more proactive fiscal stimulus measures. In reaction to Trump’s tariffs, Beijing anticipates implementing more targeted fiscal stimulus measures in the next year. According to recent reports, the government plans to increase expenditure to stimulate the economy.
Beyond the manufacturing sector, strong consumption in China reached new heights. With a 52.2 increase in non-manufacturing PMI in July, the country’s composite PMI increased from 50.8 in July to 52.2 in December. On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping reportedly predicted that China’s GDP will expand by about 5% in 2024. This information was provided by state media.
US Stock Futures Dip Before Year-End
In weak trade on Tuesday, US stock futures fell slightly before the last trading session of 2024, a highly good year. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average were down 6 points, or 0.1%, at 03:45 ET (08:45 GMT), while those on the S&P 500 were down 5 points, or 0.1%, and those on the Nasdaq 100 were down 33 points, or 0.2%.
With the S&P 500 up about 24%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average up about 13%, and the Nasdaq up almost 30%, it looks like the major averages will end the year strongly. The US stock markets have been riding high this year thanks to the Federal Reserve’s aggressive hiking cycle. Which has stoked anticipation for an economic growth period.
Trump’s Win Boosts Market Sentiment
Even though concerns about potential trade conflicts persist, so does market sentiment. Was lifted by President-elect Trump’s victorious reelection campaign in November, which stoked prospects of deregulation and reduced corporate tax rates.
Following Tuesday’s lack of economic data and Wednesday’s market closure, attention will swiftly shift to weekly unemployment and ISM manufacturing PMI statistics later in the week. This is in anticipation of next week’s official monthly jobs report.
Bitcoin Edges Up Despite Monthly Decline
Although the most popular cryptocurrency in the world was poised, to experience its first monthly decline since early August, Market Update Stocks Bitcoinmanaged to nudge higher on Tuesday despite weak year-end trade volumes.
Bitcoin climbed 0.5 percent to $94,297.0 at 03:45 ET, but it was still on track to lose more than 4 percent for the week. Marking its third consecutive weekly decline after falling in five of the previous six sessions.
Bitcoin Gains 120%, Boosted by Trump’s Win
Having said that, Market Update Stocks Bitcoin is expected to experience an annual gain of approximately 120%. Following a record high of over $100,000 in November. This surge in sentiment surrounding crypto was prompted by Donald Trump’s reelection. The White House, which many analysts believe will lead to more favorable regulations for digital assets.
Earlier this year, the SEC approved the first US spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), boosting sentiment. The sector is making crypto more appealing to mainstream investors. Several experts in the field have projected that the value of the digital currency will double to $200,000 in 2025, suggesting that the market sentiment towards it will improve.
Gold Prices Rise Set for Strong Gains
On Tuesday, gold prices rose slightly, with the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts this year. They will be seen to achieve exceptional yearly gains due to geopolitical concerns and robust purchasing from the main central banks.
At 03:45 ET (08:45 GMT), spot gold was up 0.4% at $2,615.85/oz, and gold futures with a February expiration date were up 0.4% to $2,627.50/oz. As a result of global geopolitical concerns and the Federal Reserve’s massive rate reduction earlier this year, the price of gold has increased by over 25% in 2024.
Gold Prices Boosted by Fed’s Outlook
Gold prices rose throughout the year, but they got. A boost during the Fed’s December meeting when they projected fewer rate cuts next year. Next week, the market will get a flood of US economic data that could impact the US central bank’s interest rate outlook for 2025. Additionally, the tariff policies of President-elect Donald Trump are another potential catalyst.
FAQs
What is China's manufacturing outlook for December?
China's manufacturing sector expanded in December but at a slower pace than expected, with a PMI of 50.1, indicating moderate growth.
How is Bitcoin performing at the end of 2024?
Bitcoin showed slight gains despite a potential monthly decline, maintaining a 120% annual gain, driven by favorable sentiment after Trump’s reelection.
What’s driving gold prices higher in 2024?
Gold prices have risen due to interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, geopolitical uncertainties, and strong central bank buying.
What fiscal policies is China expected to adopt in 2025?
China plans to implement looser monetary policies and more targeted fiscal stimulus measures, including increased government expenditure.