Wall St Week Ahead-Investors hope for 'Santa Claus' rally as stocks lose steam

U.S. stocks, despite a strong 2024, face a potential December slump. The 'Santa Claus Rally' is threatened by the Fed's rate cut signal, a looming government shutdown, and rising Treasury yields. While November's gains offered early cheer, narrowing market breadth and high valuations raise concerns for the year's end.