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U.S. stocks surged for a second week driven by new executive orders and a major AI investment partnership, with Netflix and Novo Nordisk posting significant earnings gains. Fixed income markets saw little change, focusing on upcoming FOMC meeting comments from Chair Powell, while crude prices plunged due to President Trump's comments at Davos. Gold continued to rise, nearing an all-time high, amidst mixed economic data and consumer sentiment declining for the first time in six months. Existing home sales rose despite increasing mortgage rates, and Q4 GDP report is anticipated to show strong growth into 2025.

A weekly recap of equities, fixed income, commodities, and macroeconomic analysis from the FS Investments research team.

To read the full market minute or to sign up for the weekly email, with charts and data, go to https://fsinvestments.com/marketminute

U.S. equities had their best returns since election week, driven by a decline in rates and pro-cyclical sectors. Bank earnings generally exceeded expectations, while the 10-year yield fell below 4.6% and the 2-year yield decreased to 4.25%. Crude prices rose due to strong economic data and potential policy shifts, and gold prices increased as well. Positive U.S. economic data boosted market optimism, and housing starts surged, indicating Fed rate cuts are having an impact.

A weekly recap of equities, fixed income, commodities, and macroeconomic analysis from the FS Investments research team.

To read the full market minute or to sign up for the weekly email, with charts and data, go to https://fsinvestments.com/marketminute