5 popular investment trends for the start of 2024

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The investment mindset is constantly evolving now a days, and staying ahead of the curve can be crucial for maximizing your returns. Here are 5 popular trends to watch in 2024, offering potential for growth alongside valuable insights for building a smart investment strategy:

1. The Rise of Generative AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction. Data scientists are harnessing its power across industries, from assisting surgeons in the operating room to identifying deforestation zones in the Amazon rainforest. Now, generative AI, a powerful subset of AI, is accelerating digital innovation. It uses vast amounts of text data to create entirely new content in seconds, like poems, artwork, music, and even videos!

Experts believe generative AI could be as game-changing as the internet. It has the potential to revolutionize how businesses operate by enhancing human creativity and productivity. McKinsey Digital estimates this technology could add a whopping $4.4 trillion annually to global corporate profits!

If you're interested in getting involved, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide an easy way to invest in AI companies without picking individual stocks. Consider these options:

  • Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)
  • ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)
  • ROBO Global Robotics and Automation ETF (ROBO)

2. Small-Cap Stocks: A Bounce Back?

2023 saw high-profile tech giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft dominate the headlines, leading the Nasdaq and S&P 500 to record highs. While investors flocked to these momentum stocks, small-cap companies were largely overlooked. Now, with more attractive valuations, small-cap stocks are piquing investor interest again.

Many of these smaller companies offer high growth potential and operate in exciting markets, even if they lack the deep pockets and established presence of large-cap giants. This makes them intriguing possibilities for investors seeking hidden gems.

However, investing in individual small caps requires a long-term commitment and extensive research. They also carry higher risk due to their limited resources compared to larger companies. Consider investing in small-cap ETFs if you're interested in riding this wave without the intense research burden.

3. High-Interest Rates: A Boon for Fixed Income

Remember when savings accounts offered next to nothing in interest? Those days seem like a distant memory. With rising interest rates, many high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs) are now offering returns exceeding 5%. This resurgence is attracting investors back to fixed-income options like Treasury bills, which are also seeing multi-year high yields.

Choosing the best fixed-income assets depends on your individual financial situation and goals. For instance, consider tax implications. Income from federal government bonds might be exempt from state and local taxes, leading to significant savings in high-tax states.

Strategies like building CD ladders (investing in CDs with staggered maturity dates) can help minimize reinvestment risk. Given the possibility that interest rates might be plateauing, locking in longer-term yields could be a wise move. However, consulting with a financial advisor is crucial before choosing any fixed-income investments.

4. REITs: Poised for a Rebound?

While high-interest rates have dampened some sectors, they could inadvertently pave the way for a rebound in others. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a case in point. With interest rates expected to decline in the coming year, REITs might be primed for a comeback.

REITs offer the advantage of owning real estate without the hassle of direct management. They enjoy significant tax benefits by distributing most of their income as dividends, resulting in some of the highest dividend yields across all industries. Publicly traded REITs are particularly attractive due to their high yields, lower management costs, and the scrutiny they face from public investors. With interest rates potentially falling, a key cost for REITs looks poised to decrease as well.

If in-depth research on individual REITs isn't your cup of tea, consider investing in REIT ETFs. Just be sure to research and avoid common pitfalls associated with REIT investing.

5. Cash: A Safe Haven in Uncertain Times

Global tensions, inflation concerns, and rising debt levels – these are just some of the factors leaving many investors feeling uneasy. As a result, cash is back in favor. Global money market funds have witnessed substantial inflows, with U.S. money market funds holding a record $6.3 trillion as of December 1st, 2023. Even prominent hedge fund managers are advocating for cash as a safe haven amid rising interest rates.

In these turbulent times, cash offers both liquidity and stability, making it a valuable asset in a well-diversified portfolio.