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The Materials sector (XLB) has declined about 1% in 2024, ranking it among the S&P 500's (^GSPC) worst-performing sectors this year. Yahoo Finance Senior Markets Reporter Ines Ferré analyzes the sector's performance throughout 2024, examining the factors behind its underwhelming results and how global economic slowdowns, particularly in China, have impacted materials companies. She also spotlights standout stocks for the year, including EcoLab Inc. (ECL) and Sherwin-Williams (SHW). To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Domination here. This post was written by Angel Smith
Coldwell Banker Affiliates President Jason Waugh joins Wealth to discuss housing market dynamics heading into 2025. Waugh highlights continued growth in both pending and existing home sales data. "As inventory continues to grow ... certainly we expect affordability to ease," he tells Yahoo Finance. According to Waugh, the housing market faces a supply challenge rather than a demand issue. He emphasizes the need for "more stability" in interest rates, suggesting that once rates become "less volatile," the market will "adapt," leading to increased inventory and stronger consumer confidence. Currently, luxury buyers are dominating the market. Homes valued at $1 million or more experienced a 25% year-over-year increase in November. Waugh notes, "That community is certainly less dependent on the interest rates." To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Wealth here. This post was written by Angel Smith
Great Hill Capital chairman and managing member Thomas Hayes joins Catalysts to discuss his optimistic outlook for the healthcare (XLV) and materials (XLB) sectors in 2025. "I think the theme for 2025 is going to be: the last shall be first," Hayes tells Yahoo Finance. He notes that, while healthcare and materials delivered "anemic returns" in 2024, both sectors are projected to be among the top four for earnings growth in 2025, with expected earnings surpassing those of the S&P 500 (^GSPC). In healthcare, Hayes addresses investor concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is set to lead the Health and Human Services Department under the Trump administration. Hayes believes these worries are overblown, suggesting it will create a "sell the rumor, buy the news" opportunity. Regarding materials, Hayes downplays tariff concerns, viewing them more as a "negotiating tactic." He recalls Trump's previous presidency, when he campaigned as "the tariff king," noting that, while materials initially sold off after his victory, the sector quickly rallied in 2017 after his inauguration. Hayes expects "more of the same thing" this time around. He names Albamarle Corporation (ALB) as one of the top players in the space. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Catalysts here. This post was written by Angel Smith
US new home sales rose 5.9% month-over-month in November, an appreciated uptick as elevated mortgage rates continue to deter homebuyers wishing to enter the housing market. Will these same trends persist into 2025? Walton Global EVP of Capital Markets Katie Hubbard sits down with Catalysts anchors Brad Smith and Josh Lipton to discuss the surge in homebuilder sentiment and where she forecasts home affordability to land in the new year. "Our clients are still... offering incentives like mortgage rate buy-downs because of the elevated mortgages. We don't think mortgages are going to get to 6%, not even until 2026, where that magic mortgage rate number is really 5.5%," Hubbard tells Yahoo Finance. "So... there's still that elevated mortgage is causing affordability issues on both sides." To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Catalysts here. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.
Dealmaking is expected to pick up in 2025. Yahoo Finance Senior Reporter Alexandra Canal joins Seana Smith and Josh Lipton on Market Domination to discuss consolidations in the media and telecom space. Comcast (CMCSA) and Warner Brother Discover (WBD) are among the biggest names set to spin off specific segments and channel packages into independent businesses. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Domination here. This post was written by Naomi Buchanan.
As investors gauge how President-elect Donald Trump's second term in office will impact markets, Janus Henderson Investors Global Alpha Equity Team portfolio manager Julian McManus joins Seana Smith and Josh Lipton on Market Domination to discuss how to build a portfolio that's resilient to market volatility. "Volatility and resilience are keywords that investors need to have in mind when they construct portfolios," Henderson says, adding, "I think we're just endemically heading into what is going to be a higher volatility regime, I think, for the next year or so, we can expect higher volatility around what policymakers do and the way that currencies and risk assets react to that." The portfolio manager shares two steps for "very thoughtful portfolio construction." He outlines, "First of all, isolating stock selection as the source of risk. So, we want idiosyncratic risk or stock-specific risk to be driving returns." "Secondly, I think a thoughtful approach to risk on a go-forward basis. So, thinking through the major risks facing the portfolio and picking stocks that can be resilient in the face of that." McManus highlights defense stocks (XAR) in the US and globally, as well as sectors like telecommunications (XLC) and utilities (XLU), as opportunities for investors to find resilience amid volatility. Watch the video above to learn about the portfolio manager's market expectations for Trump's second term. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Domination here. This post was written by Naomi Buchanan.
Mortgage rates climbed to 6.72% this week, according to the latest Freddie Mac data. DeBianchi Real Estate President and Realtor Sam DeBianchi Laviola joins Wealth to analyze the implications for housing market dynamics. DeBianchi Laviola cites studies suggesting mortgage rates will fluctuate between 6 to 7%, noting that the Federal Reserve's cautious interest rate outlook triggered this week's rate increase. However, she anticipates rates could drop to the 5-6% range in the coming year. "We're actually in a really balanced and healthy market right now but a lot of homebuyers and sellers may not feel that because inventory is still tight," she explains. DeBianchi Laviola adds that "now is a really good time to jump in the market because sellers are generally more negotiable." For those considering entering the housing market, she offers three key recommendations: secure mortgage pre-approval requirements, be prepared to negotiate price points with sellers, and explore various lending products beyond the traditional 30-year fixed mortgage to find the best personal fit. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Wealth here. This post was written by Angel Smith