Table of Contents:
Introduction to stock market fluctuations
The American stock market landscape currently presents diverging dynamics, highlighting a context of uncertainties and opportunities. While the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 show slight growth, the Nasdaq recorded a significant decline. This scenario highlights the challenges that technology companies are facing, with titles such as Comcast, Microsoft and Nvidia suffering significant losses
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Performance of the main stock indices
At the opening of the markets, the Dow Jones rose by 70.30 points, corresponding to an increase of 0.16%.
The S&P 500 also registered an increase, adding 8.61 points, equal to an increase of 0.14%. However, Nasdaq is in negative territory, losing 36.81 points, or 0.19%. These fluctuations highlight the vulnerability of the technology sector, which continues to be influenced by macroeconomic factors and
increasing competitive pressure.
Analysis of economic growth in the United States
According to preliminary data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the United States economy experienced lower than expected growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a 2.3% increase in GDP. This figure is down from 3.1% in the previous quarter and the 2.7% expected by analysts. Despite an acceleration in consumption, inflation reached 2.3%, raising concerns about possible economic stagnation. Companies, such as United Parcel Service (UPS), are already planning significant volume reductions and renovations to meet future challenges
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Prospects for the Eurozone and energy companies
In Europe, Eurozone GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2024 is expected to slow down, with an increase of 0.9% year-on-year, below analysts’ expectations. The quarterly change is estimated to be zero, compared to the expected +0.1%. Energy companies, such as Shell, are also struggling, reporting a 78% drop in profit in the fourth quarter. However, Shell maintained a solid overall financial performance for the year, with cash generation exceeding 2023 and a significant reduction in structural costs, announcing an increase in dividends and a new 3.5 billion dollar buyback program
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