Day Traders Diary

11/8/24

The major averages finish out a strong week on a high note as the Dow hits 44,000 for the first time and the S&P 500 hits 6000 for the first time following the election win for Donald Trump. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 259 points or 0.59%. The S&P 500 rose 22 points or 0.38% while the Nasdaq rose 17 points.

All three of the major averages had strong weekly gains, thanks in large part to Wednesday's huge rally following Trump's victory. The S&P 500 rose 4.7% for the week, as the Dow was higher by 4.7% as well. The Nasdaq rose 5.7% while the best performer was the small cap benchmark Russell 2000 up more than 8% on the week.

The Trump related stocks continue to perform well. Tesla rose 8% today and up 30% for the week as founder and CEO Elon Musk campaigned for President Trump. The automaker's market cap surpassed the $1 trillion mark today. Law enforcement tech stock Axon Enterprises rose 28% today. Trump Media Group has been on a roller coaster ride this week up 15% today as Trump has no plans to sell any stock.

Bonds were also on a roller coaster ride this week. The 10-year rate dipped 5 basis points to 4.28% after falling 11 basis points yesterday. The yields is now lower than last Friday's level of 4.37%. The 2-year Treasury yield was modestly higher at 4.2%. The central bank lowered interest rates by a quarter point yesterday. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted he is "feeling good" about the economy during a press conference following the change and will not step down even if Trump asked him to.

Gold and oil were down for a second straight day. Bitcoin was modestly higher to new highs today and up 11% on the week. Detroit said they will accept cryptocurrency including Bitcoin for taxes.