Overbought? Despite Exceptional Year, Signs Point to Continued Rally in 2024

 | Dec 19, 2023 09:55

  • As 2023 concludes, global markets, led by the U.S. and Europe, are set for double-digit gains, defying earlier skepticism and paving the way for potential surprises in 2024.
  • Despite concerns about an overbought S&P 500, historical trends reveal that overbought conditions don't always lead to immediate declines.
  • With inflation moderating and the tendency to avoid recession in an election year, the 2024 outlook seems promising.
  • Fear sells.

    It sells because a Nobel laureate, through behavioral finance, has taught us that humans tend to weigh losses 2.5 times more heavily than gains. Consequently, the fear of a sudden collapse always lingers in an investor's mind.

    However, this fear-driven approach can lead to missed opportunities. The true skill lies in effectively managing the emotional impact of periodic market declines and adjusting portfolio risk during volatile periods - something entirely within our control.

    As we approach the end of 2023, the stock market, with a few exceptions like China, is poised to close in double digits for both the U.S. (thus affecting global equities) and Europe in general.

    With banks consistently raising bullish forecasts for the S&P 500, and the skepticism of small investors who remain wary even after a +15-20% gain, one thing is certain: the markets in 2024 will once again do what they do best—surprise!