Looking back at 2023, significant developments in the stock market had a major impact on investors. The year saw a slower-than-expected growth in the Chinese economy, which had a negative effect on luxury goods giants like LVMH. Despite this, the Paris stock market hit record highs multiple times throughout the year and overcame financial panic caused by the bankruptcy of American regional banks and the fall of Credit Suisse. On the other hand, some companies experienced significant declines in stock value, such as Worldline, Alstom, Sanofi, LVMH, Orpea, and Casino.

The return of inflation led to a sharp increase in borrowing rates, affecting the bond market, while stock market volatility remained historically low. The expectations of central bank policies influenced the fluctuating bond market, with the French 10-year bond interest rate reaching nearly 3.6% in October, the highest in over a decade, before dropping to 2.4% in December.

Looking ahead to 2024, investors will continue to closely monitor the decisions of central banks, which play a crucial role in setting direct interest rates. Despite cautious statements from central bankers, there is anticipation of rate cuts in early 2024 due to the decline in inflation and signs of slowing growth in the US and Europe.

These insights will be valuable for investors looking to navigate the stock market in 2024. Keeping an eye on developments in China, interest rate movements, and central bank decisions will be crucial for making informed investment decisions in the coming year.