"2024 Financial Forecast: Record Stocks, Optimistic Investors, and Market Movements to Watch"

Financial analysts predict a challenging year for the stock market in 2024, with expectations of a U.S. recession, a return to a bear market, and stubbornly high core inflation despite anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts. The yield-curve inversion is expected to end, potentially benefiting interest-sensitive industries like mortgage REITs. The AI sector may face a bubble burst, with Nvidia's pricing power at risk. Microsoft is projected to overtake Apple as the most valuable public company, while Tesla's share price could drop below $100. Utilities are predicted to be a top-performing sector, and an unforeseen "crisis" could temporarily impact markets, with a housing price collapse or auto loan defaults as potential triggers.