20 December 2023
As we approach the end of 2023, it is time to look back at the last 12 months to see which stock markets have held their own, which have fallen and which have risen. The economic outlook for countries worldwide is very different, with interest rates and inflation front and centre. Can you guess the best-performing indices?
We will now look at various indices from the US, Europe and Asia to see which have performed best in the year to date.
Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the UK economy, at the time of writing, the FTSE 100 index is up 0.80% on the year. The range was 7206.82 up to 8047.06, and it is currently standing at 7614.48.
The Dax index is up 18.35% in the year to date, with a particularly significant rise since October despite the German economy dipping into recession. The year-to-date range is 13,791.52 up to 17,003.28, with the index currently at 16,650.55.
The primary French index, the CAC 40 index, is up 14.77% in the year to date, with an annual range of 6388.23 up to 7653.99, currently standing at 7568.86. In line with the German index, the CAC 40 index has enjoyed a significant rally from October.
In the year to date, the IBEX 35 index, Spain's principal stock market index, is up by 20.13%, currently standing at 10,054.90. Again, in line with other European markets, the index has enjoyed a significant rally from October, with a yearly range between 8059.50 to 10,301.30.
The EURO STOXX 50 index is designed to reflect the Eurozone and has increased by 17.25% in the year to date. The range for the index has been between 3767.26 and 4593.11, again enjoying a significant rally since October.
While so far outperformed by European counterparts, the Dow Jones Industrial Average index registered a 12.58% increase in the year-to-date. The range for the index has been between 31,429.82 up to 37,393.45 with a near 5000 point increase since late October.
Tracking the performance of the leading 500 companies listed on the US stock market, the S&P 500 index increased by 23.96% in the year to date. Currently standing at 4740.56, the year-to-date range is between 3764.49 and 4749.52.
Those who follow global stock markets may be surprised to learn that the NASDAQ Composite index has increased by 43.50% in the year to date. Currently standing at 14,904.81, the year-to-date range is 10,207.47 and 14,938.04. Amid hopes that interest rates may fall in early 2024, it is perhaps no surprise to see the technology sector rallying.
The Russell 2000 index, the US stock market index focused on small companies, has shown an increase of 13.23% in the year-to-date. Currently standing at 1982.42, the year-to-date range is 1633.67 up to 2009.08 - suggesting that US smaller companies are back in favour.
The Nikkei 225 index currently stands at 32,758.98, an impressive 27.38% increase in the year-to-date. Amid hopes that the Japanese economy may be on the verge of a significant recovery, the year-to-date range is 25,661.89 up to 33,853.46. Many investors will be watching the Japanese stock market to see if signs of an economic rally are confirmed.
Representative of stocks on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, the SSE Composite index has fallen 5.96% in the year to date amid concerns about the Chinese economy. Currently standing at 2930.80, with a year-to-date range of 2923.51 up to 3418.95, it will be interesting to see what 2024 holds for the Chinese economy.
Currently standing at 16,629.23, the Hang Seng index is down by 17.45% in the year-to-date, ranging from 15,972.31 to 22,700.85. While the APAC region is set to become even stronger in the medium to long term, dominating global GDP, there are some short-term economic concerns.
There will be two main issues going into 2024; US interest rates/inflation and the performance of the Chinese economy. While the Chinese economy is expected to slow from 5.2% growth this year to 4.5% next year and 4.3% in 2025, this compares to minimal growth in the UK. It's always helpful to put these figures into context.
Back to News
+44 (0)20 7048 9400
Email Us
Client login
