S&P 500 at new high!

Stocks up

On 23rd January 2025, the S&P 500 reached a new all-time high, closing at 6,118.71

This milestone was driven by a combination of strong fourth-quarter earnings results and a significant announcement from President Trump regarding a $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure.

The investment, led by OpenAI, SoftBank Group Corp., and Oracle Corporation, aims to develop data centres and create over 100,000 jobs, further fueling investor optimism.

Additionally, solid earnings reports from major corporations like Netflix and Capital One Financial Corporation contributed to the positive market sentiment.

The S&P 500’s new high reflects the broader market’s confidence in the economic outlook and the potential for continued growth in the technology sector.

But be careful. Despite ‘pundits’ suggesting the S&P 500 could hit 6,600 or higher this tear – we are now in pricey territory and a pullback is likely due soon.

S&P 500 one-year chart

S&P 500 one-year chart

Japan increases interest rate chasing down rising inflation

Bank of Japan

The Bank of Japan recently raised its interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.5%, marking the highest level since 2008

This decision was influenced by sustained inflation and rising wages, signalling a cycle in the economy.

The move was expected by many economists and resulted in the Japanese yen strengthening against the dollar.

The Bank of Japan has indicated that more interest rate hikes may be on the horizon.

One year Nikkei chart

One year Nikkei chart