Ask the CFP | Twelve Wishes for The New Year | Ask the CFP Practitioner

This week, I’d like to share a delightful rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas by our Chief Investment Officer Larry Adams. As 2024 ends, Larry provides a recap and shapes sentiment for 2025. Larry has a way with words, and he does not disappoint. Enjoy! 

“‘Twas the night before Christmas, with lights all aglow, we pondered the markets and the year’s ebb and flow. Investors wished for rate cuts in their stockings, but the economy’s strength proved quite shocking. The long-awaited rate cut arrived in the fall, and anew easing cycle was welcomed by all. 

The fed tackled inflation, its mission quite clear, now it focuses on jobs as the new frontier. With rates heading lower,stocks continued their climb, theirtough volatility struck from time to time. 

Mega-cap tech gave the equities a lift, but leadership began to subtly shift. With a new president now at the helm, we hope for market gains that overwhelm. As family and friends gather ‘round with delight, we wish you joy, health, and wealth, shining bright. While lights twinkle merrily and we raise a toast, let’s make 2025 a year we can boast. With fresh hope that each new year unveils, we look forward to an economy that thrives and prevails. 

We’ve crafted a wish list that aims for the sky, hoping your investments will flourish and multiply. Our dreams and wishes are not far from sight, each one hasthe chance to come to light. With Christmas magic and festive cheer, we hope these gifts will appear, making it the most wonderful time of the year.”

Larry goes on to further outline twelve wishes for 2025:   

1. For harmony to grow, and conflicts to ease, our Christmas wish; one year of world peace. 

2. As the Fed declares victory over inflation, we sing and cheer”Joy to the world, two percent is here!” 

3. As we fill up our tanks to reach our destination, gas under three dollars would bea holiday sensation. 

4. With the Fed’s guiding light, we wish with delight, four percent unemployment would make our year bright. 

5. On the fifth year after Covid, the economy gave to us, five consecutive years of growth.  

6. Mega-cap tech stocks have soared like Santa’s sleigh in flight, we hope the biggest six keep climbing to new heights.  

7. A new year, a new market record, what a gift that would be.  

8. With over $8 trillion in Treasuries coming due, strong auction demand would be a dream come true.  

9. With corporations in good health, their strength in the clear, may investment grade spreads stay low this year.  

10. With AI (artificial intelligence) tailwinds here to stay, and broadening on the way, we cheer for ten percent earnings growth; hip, hip hooray!  

11. With stronger earning that hopefully beat, eleven sectors in the green would make Wall Street’s spirits complete. 

12. Fed voting members are twelve in all, may the doves prevail, and interest rates fall.“ 

Our Chief Investment Officer, Larry Adam, has a clever way of recapping 2024 and sending us into 2025 with twelve optimistic wishes for the New Year. We hope all your wishes and dreams come true. We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Glorious New Year. Stay focused and plan accordingly. 

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. The opinions expressed are those of the writer as of December 15, 2024,  but not necessarily those of Raymond James and Associates, and subject to change at any time based on market conditions and other factors. There is no guarantee that the statements, opinions, or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct.   

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.This article provided by Darcie Guerin, CFP®, First Vice President, Investments & Branch Manager of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. Member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC 606 Bald Eagle Dr. Suite 401, Marco Island, FL 34145. She may be reached at (239)389-1041, email [email protected] Website: www.raymondjames.com/Darcie