DJI: Dow Jones Closes Above 45,000 for First Time Ever. What’s the Outlook for Stocks?

30-stock index is on a tear with traders embracing real-economy stocks as Trump gets ready to pump the US economy.

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average DJI shattered 45,000 for the first time ever. The huge milestone comes as markets are still riding high on hopes of Donald Trump introducing a new era of growth and prosperity (at least for the stock market that is). The 30-stock blue-chip index gained 308.51 points, or 0.69%, and closed Wednesday’s session at 45,015.04 — a landmark never seen before.
• What’s so special about it? The Dow is made up of 30 companies that are vital to the US economy and its consumers. It’s also the only index of the pack of three (with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite) that doesn’t get sloshed around by the influence of the Magnificent Seven. When it moves higher it indicates investors’ excitement for the economy. And vice versa — a drop is a sign of caution.
• Now that this milestone is covered, what’s the outlook for stocks heading into 2025? This is the million dollar question and its answer largely hinges on Donald Trump’s ability to walk the walk after talking the talk. The President-elect has pledged to slap high tariffs on imports, reduce taxes on corporations and introduce lighter regulatory regimes that will unleash more growth for US companies.