US stocks likely to stay on upward trend

Massive growth: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York. A banner year for the S&P 500 ended with an annual gain of just over 24%. The benchmark index also stood near its first record closing high in about two years. — Bloomberg

NEW YORK: The US stock market’s hefty gains in 2023 could provide a lift for equities this year, if history is any guide.

The S&P 500 ended the year last Friday with an annual gain of just over 24%. The benchmark index also stood near its first record closing high in about two years.