Stocks Surge in 2023 on AI Optimism and Falling Inflation, But Outlook for 2024 Mixed
• The stock market soared in 2023, with the S&P 500 up 25%, the Dow up 13%, and the Nasdaq up 44% • Optimism about a "soft landing" for the economy and enthusiasm about AI drove market gains • Analyst outlooks for 2024 differ, with some fearing a downturn and others steady growth • Inflation fell close to the Fed's target, prompting plans to cut rates after 2022 hikes • Gains concentrated in big tech like Nvidia (up 240%); broad growth missing