Speculative Frenzy, AI Disruption, And Crypto Rally: Investors Face Wild Ups And Downs In A Year Of Market Surprises

Global markets in 2024 witnessed sharp contrasts, with speculative trading in AI and crypto dominating the scene. Bitcoin reached new heights, breaking $100,000 after the approval of U.S. Bitcoin ETFs in January and Donald Trump’s November victory, further boosting the digital asset ecosystem. ETFs tied to crypto and AI saw a surge, with funds like BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF drawing significant inflows. China experienced a bond rally driven by eased monetary policies and saw stocks achieve their first annual gain in three years. T-bills outperformed bonds for the fourth consecutive year, though shifts in Fed policy may challenge the “T-bill and chill” trend.