Hello,

As we wrap up 2024, we want to take a moment to thank you - on behalf of all of us at Eagle Wealth Management - for allowing us to be part of your journey. Your trust means everything to us, and it’s a privilege to stand by your side through all of life’s seasons.

Reflecting on 2024

What a year it’s been! From a total solar eclipse and the Summer Olympics in Paris to one of the most polarizing presidential elections in recent history, 2024 was filled with events that sparked conversations, emotions, and reflections. Despite the differences that elections sometimes highlight, they also remind us of the importance of coming together, seeking common ground, and building toward a brighter future.

Looking Ahead to 2025

While the world around us may feel uncertain at times, our commitment to you remains as steady as ever.

In the coming year, we’ll continue to stay true to the principles that guide everything we do: 

• Adaptability: Staying proactive and ready to embrace change that is in your best interest.
• Steadfastness: Avoiding knee-jerk reactions and helping you stay the course through challenges.
• Optimism: Looking for the best in others, remaining hopeful, and believing in brighter days ahead.
• Integrity: Acting with transparency, honesty, and openness by always putting you and your family first.

We know the work we do together is about more than numbers; it’s about helping you create a life that’s enriching and secure. We want you to know that we never lose sight of this goal!

A Year-End Wish for You

As we approach the end of this chapter, we hope you’ll take time to relax, celebrate, and connect with the people who matter most to you. Time is precious, and it’s one of the greatest gifts we have. We hope this season fills your heart with joy, and we hope you can look back on 2024 with pride for all you’ve accomplished.

From all of us at Eagle Wealth Management, thank you for trusting us to walk this journey with you. We’re excited for all that 2025 holds and are honored to continue working alongside you as your financial partner.

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy new year.

With heartfelt appreciation,
  

Your Eagle Wealth Team

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks notched a slight gain over the holiday week. A tech-driven rally in the first half of the week was clawed back in the second half as investors took profits following the market holiday.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.67 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.76 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.35 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.54 percent.^1,2

Ho-Ho, Then No-Go

Stocks rallied during the first half of a shortened holiday trading week. Holiday cheer won out despite news of declining consumer confidence in December, a drop in durable goods, and new home sales reporting below expectations.^3,4

The “Santa rally” lost its ho-ho-go after the midweek holiday. Megacap technology stocks led markets down on Friday, giving back most of the gains from the first half of the week.^4,5

The Real Santa

While Santa got the headlines, the consumer drove the holiday shopping sleigh this year.

Holiday spending—defined by the period from November 1 through December 24—rose 3.8 percent in 2024, compared with 3.1 percent in 2023. Economists closely follow consumer activity since consumer spending makes up roughly two-thirds of total gross domestic product. Market watchers attributed the strong job market and growth in household wealth as the primary drivers of consumer strength.⁶

<sup>Source: YCharts.com, December 28, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, December 20, to Friday, December 27. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Any companies mentioned are for informational purposes only, and this should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of their securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame, and risk tolerance.</sup>

<sup>1. The Wall Street Journal, December 27, 2024
2. Investing.com, December 27, 2024
3. MarketWatch.com, December 23, 2024
4. CNBC.com, December 26, 2024
5. The Wall Street Journal, December 27, 2024
6. MarketWatch.com, December 26, 2024</sup>

^{Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.}

^{The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.}

^{The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.}

^{The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.}

^{U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.}

^{International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.}

^{Please consult your financial professional for additional information.}

^{This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.  Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.}