: Stock records were largely supported by fundamental improvements in company earnings, which "unstuck" after a stagnant 2016.

While it was a great year to buy, there were significant "wall of worry" concerns: S&P 500 Total Returns by Year Since 1926 - Slickcharts

Several specific economic and political factors fueled the market’s optimism:

Looking back at , it was a historically strong and unusually steady year for the stock market. Investors who entered the market early in the year benefited from a "Goldilocks" economy —not too hot to cause high inflation, but strong enough to drive corporate earnings and record highs. Market Performance Snapshot

: Anticipation and eventual passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December drove prices higher as investors expected a boost to corporate profits from the rate cut (35% to 21%).

The market was defined by a steady "grind higher" with almost no significant pullbacks:

Review & Discussion

3/5 (5 votes)