Your Money

In 2024, U.S. stock funds demonstrated strong performance, primarily driven by the exceptional growth of large-cap tech stocks. This marked a significant rebound, supported by a recovering U.S. economy and widespread investor optimism. Midcap and small-cap growth funds also performed robustly. However, international stock funds underperformed their U.S. counterparts, highlighting challenges like currency headwinds and regional economic uncertainties. Bond funds also saw slight gains this year but broadly underperformed institutional money market funds.

• Broad Market (S&P 500):  +2.4% 4Q  |  +25.0% last 12 months
• Small Companies (Russell 2000):  +0.3% 4Q  |  +11.5% last 12 months
• International Stocks (EAFE):  -8.1% 4Q  |  +4.4% last 12 months
• Emerging Markets (MSCI EM):  -7.8% 4Q  |  +8.1% last 12 months
• Bonds (Barclays Agg): -3.4% 4Q  |  +1.25% last 12 months

Personal video statements will begin going out this week.

Stock Funds Rose 17.4% in 2024
by William Power

Your Life

Got Your Back: Easing Everyday Back Pain
Back pain is no joke, but the Mayo Clinic has your back (literally). This article dives into simple ways to prevent and manage back pain, from stretching routines to posture tips. Whether lifting smarter or setting up an ergonomic workspace, these practical strategies can help keep your spine in line and pain at bay because life’s too short to let back pain slow you down!

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day
source: Mayo Clinic

Complexity Simplified

Trivia