LPL Research recently unveiled Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism. The annual update offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic and market environment. Looking back on 2024, it clearly echoed many of the themes from 2023. There were some brief economic growth scares along the way, but the broader economy continued to defy expectations and surprised once again to the upside. Stocks continued their strong performance, putting the S&P 500 on track to record its second consecutive year of 20% plus returns. Powerful trends in artificial intelligence and technology have continued unabated and largely overshadowed other factors like election uncertainty, continued geopolitical tension, and some rich stock valuation levels. After the election, the anticipation of potentially market-friendly policies from the incoming administration also helped to bolster stocks. 

The bond market, in contrast, experienced another lackluster year. While the Federal Reserve initiated a long-awaited easing cycle, policy ambiguity and uneasiness over rising debt levels led to increased volatility in bonds, but no clear directional trend. 

As 2025 approaches, there are reasons to remain cautiously optimistic. Cautious because no market environment is ever permanent, and change is always potentially around the corner. Optimistic because constructive long-term technology trends are recognizably in place. Plus, potential tax policy and deregulation efforts in 2025 could provide some semblance of a tailwind — particularly from an economic perspective. While risky asset returns are not expected to be as robust as 2024, 2025’s investment environment should prove to be favorable for investors.

These are just some of the insights you’ll find in Outlook 2025. The full report, combined with my guidance, can help you navigate through market complexities and crosscurrents and continue to work toward achieving your goals. 

Click the image to read the full report.

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