2024 was a wild ride, filled with big headlines and events that shaped the year—and hopefully brought good news to your investments. As we wrap up, let’s take a look at some of the major stories that grabbed attention over the past year. From skyrocketing debts to cocoa crazes, here’s a quick recap. Feel free to share your thoughts and memories too!

**Historic Debt Levels**
The U.S. kicked off 2024 with a financial milestone no one wanted: national debt crossing $34 trillion. By year’s end, it hit $36 trillion, showing no signs of slowing down. Political fights over government spending and funding only added fuel to the fire. Could alternative solutions, like cryptocurrency, ever play a role in addressing this growing issue?

**Near-Disaster in the Skies**
A close call in aviation shook the aerospace industry when an Alaska Airlines flight experienced rapid cabin depressurization after a door plug blew out mid-flight. Luckily, everyone onboard was safe, but it was another blow to Boeing. The company faced a tough year with production delays, quality control problems, and setbacks with its Starliner program. After a 31% stock decline in 2024, many are wondering if 2025 will be a year of recovery for Boeing.

**Supply Chain Chaos**
One of America’s busiest ports faced major disruptions after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed near Baltimore. Tragically, six lives were lost when a massive cargo ship collided with one of the bridge’s support columns. The accident severed a key interstate highway, rerouting cargo shipments for the foreseeable future. Repairs aren’t expected to be completed until 2028.

**Crypto Breakthroughs**
Cryptocurrency had a landmark year as the SEC approved 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs after years of resistance. Ethereum ETFs also made strides, and former President Donald Trump integrated crypto into his campaign strategy. These developments helped restore some confidence in the sector after the FTX scandal and its founder’s 25-year prison sentence.

**Cocoa Prices Soar**
Chocolate lovers felt the pinch as cocoa prices skyrocketed past $12,000 per ton by the end of 2024. Weather problems, crop diseases, and speculation drove up costs, making cocoa beans even pricier than commodities like copper. The surge left traders and consumers alike scrambling to adjust.

**TikTok Under Fire**
The popular social media app TikTok faced mounting pressure in the U.S. over national security concerns. Critics worried that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government through its parent company ByteDance. Lawmakers pushed for a nationwide ban while TikTok scrambled to defend itself from these allegations.

**AI Shakes Up Media**
Generative AI continued to transform industries in 2024, especially media and publishing. Initially seen as a threat to traditional revenue models, companies quickly realized its potential for creating new income streams. However, concerns linger about how AI might impact subscription-based business models.

**Private Credit Growth**
The private credit market had a breakout year as banks pulled back from risky loans due to stricter regulations. Private funds stepped in, fueling a market that has grown from $250 billion in 2010 to around $2 trillion today. Experts predict continued double-digit growth for this booming asset class.

**Nvidia’s Record-Breaking Year**
Chipmaker Nvidia had a standout year, overtaking tech giants Microsoft and Apple to become the most valuable company globally. Its stock surged 183% thanks to massive demand for its GPUs and advancements in generative AI technology. Nvidia’s success also fueled gains in indices like the Nasdaq and S&P 500.

**Social Media and Youth Mental Health**
Concerns over the impact of social media on kids’ mental health gained traction in 2024. The U.S. Surgeon General called for warning labels on platforms similar to cigarette packaging, while some states introduced stricter regulations for children under 16. Australia even implemented an outright ban for kids using social media, setting a global precedent.

Stay tuned for more highlights tomorrow!