At the start of 2025, traders are optimistic as speculative trading surges, especially in crypto and meme stocks. The S&P 500 concluded its best two-year run since 1998, with Bitcoin rising past $96,000, boosting related stocks like Microstrategy and Coinbase. Retail traders are also reacting to social media cues from Roaring Kitty, sparking interest in stocks like Unity Software and GameStop. Semiconductor stocks continue to perform well, and Topgolf Callaway Brands jumped 8.5% after a Jefferies upgrade. However, concerns about potential inflation from the incoming administration’s policies linger, raising questions about long-term market impact.
