Stock Market on Jan. 24, 2025: S&P 500 ends below record high as tech slumps, but posts big weekly gain along with Nasdaq and Dow after Trump's return to White House - MarketWatch

Stock Market on Jan. 24, 2025: S&P 500 ends below record high as tech slumps, but posts big weekly gain along with Nasdaq and Dow after Trump's return to White House - MarketWatch


# **Stock Market Update: Jan. 24, 2025 – S&P 500 Ends Below Record High as Tech Slumps, But Posts Big Weekly Gains**

On January 24, 2025, the **S&P 500 closed slightly below its all-time high**, dragged down by a slump in tech stocks. However, the broader market still posted strong weekly gains, with the **Nasdaq and Dow Jones Industrial Average also rising sharply**. The rally followed **Donald Trump’s return to the White House**, sparking mixed reactions among investors.

Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what people are saying.

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## **1. Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?**

- **Post-Pandemic Recovery (2020-2024):**

- After the COVID-19 crash in 2020, markets rebounded strongly due to stimulus spending and low interest rates.

- Tech stocks led the charge, with companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia reaching record highs.

- Inflation surged in 2022-2023, leading the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates aggressively.

- **Election Impact (2024):**

- Trump’s victory in November 2024 brought expectations of **tax cuts, deregulation, and pro-business policies**.

- Markets initially rallied on hopes of economic growth, but some sectors (like tech) faced uncertainty due to potential trade wars.

- **January 2025 Volatility:**

- Tech stocks, which had been market leaders, saw profit-taking as investors shifted to other sectors (energy, finance, industrials).

- The S&P 500 briefly hit a new high before pulling back, while the Dow and Nasdaq still posted strong weekly gains.

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## **2. General Public Opinion: What Are People Saying?**

### **Bullish Views (Optimistic Investors)**

- **Pro-Trump Policies:** Many expect tax cuts and deregulation to boost corporate profits.

- **Strong Weekly Gains:** The overall market trend remains upward, suggesting confidence in the economy.

- **Rotation, Not Collapse:** The dip in tech is seen as a normal shift, not a crash, as money moves to other sectors.

### **Bearish Views (Cautious Investors)**

- **Tech Weakness:** Big tech companies are struggling with slower growth and regulatory risks.

- **Trade War Fears:** Trump’s return raises concerns about new tariffs, which could hurt global trade.

- **Overvaluation Risks:** Some analysts warn that stocks are too expensive, making a correction possible.

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## **3. Counterarguments: Is the Rally Sustainable?**

### **Yes, Because...**

- The economy is still growing, and corporate earnings remain strong.

- Trump’s policies could lead to short-term market boosts, as seen in his first term.

- Investors are diversifying, reducing reliance on tech stocks.

### **No, Because...**

- Interest rates are still high, which could slow down economic growth.

- Geopolitical risks (trade wars, global tensions) could disrupt markets.

- If tech—a major market driver—keeps falling, it could drag down the entire market.

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## **4. Implications: What Does This Mean for the Future?**

### **Short-Term Outlook**

- **More Volatility:** Expect swings as markets adjust to new policies.

- **Sector Rotation:** Energy, banks, and industrials may outperform tech in the near term.

### **Long-Term Lessons**

- **Diversification Matters:** Relying too much on one sector (like tech) can be risky.

- **Politics Affect Markets:** Elections and policy changes create both opportunities and risks.

- **Stay Cautious:** Even in a rising market, corrections can happen unexpectedly.

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### **Final Thoughts**

While the S&P 500 missed a new record on January 24, the overall trend remains positive. Investors are balancing optimism about Trump’s policies with caution over tech stocks and global risks. The key takeaway? **Markets move on both hope and fear—smart investors prepare for both.**

Would you buy the dip in tech, or shift to other sectors? Let us know in the comments! 🚀📉

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Stock Market on Jan. 24, 2025: S&P 500 ends below record high as tech slumps, but posts big weekly gain along with Nasdaq and Dow after Trump's return to White House - MarketWatch