The Week That Was: Caught Between Safety, Restarting Economy

Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BIIt was a wild year for markets in 2024. Bitcoin surged past $100,000 for the first time and stocks saw another year of monster returns. Other areas of markets that saw big moves include bonds and the US dollar. The stock market defied gravity again in 2024, with the S&P 500 posting a second straight year of gains of over 20%.

Vapi employeesVapiVoice agents, which use AI to listen and respond to spoken commands, are top of mind for VCs in 2025. One startup in the space, Vapi, just raised $20 million from Bessemer Venture Partners. We got an exclusive look at the pitch deck Vapi used to raise its Series A funding round.

President Joe Biden, center, stands near the John A. Blatnik Memorial Bridge in Superior, Wisconsin. An upgrade of the bridge is being funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty ImagesInfrastructure has played an important role in President Biden's term in office. The bipartisan infrastructure law is one of Biden's signature domestic policy achievements.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images; Bryan Erickson/Business InsiderThere are a handful of bullish forces headed for markets and the economy next year. Goldman Sachs said there are five factors providing a tailwind for the market next year. Those include stronger growth, more rate cuts, and lower inflation. Investors feeling nervous about markets and the economy have a number of reasons to cheer up, with several bullish factors set to keep the rally going next year, according to Goldman Sachs.

Don Emmert /AFP/GettyImagesJim Paulsen says he expects a 10%-15% stock market correction next year. The market veteran thinks investors are overlooking the risk of an economic slowdown. As economic momentum wavers next year, recession fear will trigger a market pullback. A stock market correction could be sparked by something investors aren't thinking too hard about — a recession in 2025.

Starbucks welcomed CEO Brian Niccol in September. Spencer Platt/GettyStarbucks underwent many changes this year, and more are likely coming in 2025. New CEO Brian Niccol will face choices about Starbucks' unionized stores and its China business. Starbucks faced slumping sales and dealt with activist investors in 2024. Signs that Starbucks needed a turnaround mounted in 2024.