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 as **tech stocks struggled**, but the market still posted strong weekly gains. The **Nasdaq and Dow Jones** also rose significantly, partly driven by investor optimism after **Donald Trump’s return to the White House**.

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?**

- **The Bull Market of the 2020s**: Since the COVID-19 crash in 2020, stocks have mostly climbed, fueled by low interest rates, tech growth, and government stimulus.

- **Tech Dominance**: Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia led the charge, making the Nasdaq a top performer.

- **Political Influence**: Markets often react to elections. Trump’s pro-business policies (tax cuts, deregulation) previously boosted stocks, so his return has reignited investor confidence.

- **Recent Volatility**: Inflation, Fed rate hikes, and geopolitical tensions caused ups and downs, but 2025 started strong.

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## **2. General Public Opinion: Why Are People Optimistic?**

Many investors and analysts see reasons to celebrate:

✅ **Big Weekly Gains**: Despite a slight dip on Jan. 24, the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all had strong weeks.

✅ **Trump’s Economic Policies**: Expectations of tax cuts and deregulation are boosting market sentiment.

✅ **Strong Corporate Earnings**: Many companies reported better-than-expected profits, easing recession fears.

**Common Views:**

- *"The market is resilient and will keep growing under business-friendly policies."*

- *"Tech may be down today, but it’s still a long-term winner."*

- *"Political stability (even if controversial) is good for markets."*

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## **3. Counterarguments: Why Some Are Skeptical**

Not everyone is convinced the rally will last:

❌ **Tech Weakness**: If big tech keeps falling, it could drag down the whole market.

❌ **Overvaluation Concerns**: Some stocks may be priced too high, risking a correction.

❌ **Political Risks**: Trump’s policies could lead to trade wars or higher debt, hurting the economy long-term.

❌ **Fed Uncertainty**: If inflation spikes again, interest rates could rise, hurting stocks.

**Critics Say:**

- *"This rally is based on hype, not fundamentals."*

- *"Markets are too dependent on politics—what happens if policies fail?"*

- *"Tech was the engine of growth; if it stumbles, so does the market."*

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

### **Possible Outcomes:**

- **Continued Growth**: If corporate earnings stay strong and Trump’s policies boost the economy, stocks could keep rising.

- **Tech Rebound or Further Slump**: Tech stocks may recover, or their decline could spread to other sectors.

- **Increased Volatility**: Political changes and Fed decisions could lead to bigger market swings.

### **Lessons Learned:**

✔ **Diversify** – Don’t rely too much on one sector (like tech).

✔ **Stay Informed** – Politics and economics heavily influence markets.

✔ **Long-Term Thinking** – Short-term dips happen, but history shows markets tend to rise over time.

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## **Final Thoughts**

The market’s strong weekly performance shows **resilience**, but the tech slump reminds us that **no rally lasts forever**. Investors should stay cautious, diversify, and keep an eye on policy changes.

**Bottom Line:**

- **Short-term**: Some turbulence, but overall bullish sentiment.

- **Long-term**: Depends on economic policies, corporate profits, and global events.

Would you buy the dip or wait for a bigger correction? Let us know in the comments! 🚀📉📈

*(Sources: MarketWatch, Bloomberg, CNBC)*

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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