The final trading day of 2024 was low-volume and uneventful, but there's plenty to unpack before putting a bow on the year. All three major indexes finished today's session lower, pivoting into the red midday despite a solid open. While the Dow's 5.3% December loss was its worst month of the year, the blue-chip index nabbed a quarterly win and added 12.9% in 2024. 

The S&P 500 finished December lower but secured a quarterly win, while turning in a second-straight annual gain of 20% or more. The Nasdaq managed a win for the month and quarter, and finished the year 28.6% higher, with large cap tech stocks a driving force all year. 

GOLD LOGS BEST YEAR IN 14 YEARS

Oil prices rose today, after U.S. crude oil inventories fell for a sixth consecutive week.Black gold marginally gained year-over-year. February-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 73 cents or 1.2%, to settle $71.72 per barrel.

Gold prices gained today, as the demand for safe-haven assets swells into 2025. Gold for January delivered added 0.8% to settle around $2,638.90 an ounce. For the year, gold gained over 26%, its best annual performance since 2010.

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