The S&P 500 index has reached its highest level since the beginning of the year

The S&P 500 index continues to show growth, having updated the record levels of the year. Following the results of trading on December 8, 2023, the index increased by 0.41% and reached 4,604.37 points. During trading, the index even rose to its highest level since March 2022, which amounted to 4609.23 points.

The high volatility of the market was associated with the release of employment statistics, which turned out to be stronger than expected. Initially, this caused a sharp correction in the indices, but eventually the S&P 500 managed to update the record levels of the year. This fact indicates a positive attitude towards risky assets.

Fundamental factors and the technical picture of the market indicate the possibility of moving to absolute highs. This may happen, perhaps, in the spring of 2024, when the process of lowering US Federal Reserve rates begins.

Since the beginning of this year, the S&P 500 index has grown by almost 20%. About three quarters of the index's growth this year came from seven companies, including Microsoft, Alphabet and Nvidia, due to interest in artificial intelligence technology.

A Bloomberg Markets Live Pulse survey showed that the S&P 500 index is likely to reach a new high in 2024. Growth will continue as the U.S. economy avoids recession, although the index will grow more slowly than this year due to weaker consumer spending.