Wall St Week Ahead-High market hopes raise stakes for US stocks

With stocks near historical highs and at elevated valuations, however, some investors worry the market’s sunny outlook leaves more room for disappointment if any of those scenarios do not materialise. — Bloomberg

NEW YORK: Investors’ hopes are running high to start 2024, which could set up US stocks for a rocky stretch if some expectations are not met.

Despite a shaky start to the year, the S&P 500 stands only around 2% below a fresh record high. Most investors have maintained a rosy view on everything from the US economy and corporate profits to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy trajectory.