Capital Group

2024 so far has been a year of diverging economies, equity market highs and election fever – with far more to come.

After a strong rally in the first half of the year, stocks appear to be headed into the second half with a powerful tailwind and an even brighter outlook.

With Biden and Trump set to square off in November, the 2024 US election cycle presents the possibility of a significant shift in political leadership — potentially leading to policy changes that could impact portfolios.

Innovation is not just a buzzword — it is the lifeblood of investment success. It fuels growth, drives competitiveness and shapes the future of companies. But while innovation is essential, not all emerging trends are created equal.

The dominance of megacap tech stocks has prompted debate around how much higher equity markets can go, especially in the US.

Demographic changes have major implications.

The last few months have seen a significant change in the macroeconomic environment and the market debate has shifted from “how many more rate hikes?”, to “when (and how aggressively) will central banks cut rates?”

Investors may be surprised to learn that the latest flashpoint for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing is nowhere near the high-tech hubs of Silicon Valley or Shenzhen.

A daily diet of negative news can lead even the most experienced investors to lose conviction in their long-term investment plans.

As we embark on a new year, the challenges ahead are well defined.