🛩 Boeing in trouble again

and gas prices to go down?

Good morning investors! Stocks set to end 2024 on a sour note despite strong gains for the year as BTC also struggles.

Today we cover:

  • A look at gas prices

  • Boeing continues to be in trouble

  • Metro areas with the best growth in home prices

Also, Happy New Year! 🎈 

📊 Economy and News 

Gas Prices Expected to Decline in 2025

Natural gas surges 20% on expectations for colder-than-usual January on the East Coast. On the other hand, Russia’s Gazprom says it will halt gas supplies to Moldova starting Jan. 1. However, prices in the United States are projected to drop for the third consecutive year in 2025, providing relief to inflation-weary drivers.

The national average for regular gas is anticipated to fall to $3.22 per gallon, the lowest annual average since 2021. This represents a modest decline from $3.33 in 2024 and a significant improvement from the mid-2022 spike of over $5 per gallon.

Anticipated Savings at the Pump

The continued decline in fuel costs is expected to save Americans approximately $115 billion in 2025 compared to 2022. GasBuddy predicts that the national average will remain below $3.50 per gallon throughout the year, even during peak driving seasons. However, households are still projected to spend about $2,252 annually on fuel, higher than pre-COVID levels but significantly below the 2022 peak of $2,715.

Potential Disruptors to Forecast

Several factors could disrupt these optimistic projections, including proposed tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.

GasBuddy forecasts that the national average will not dip below $2.81 per gallon at any point in 2025, barring an economic downturn or other major disruptions.

Domestic Production and Market Dynamics

Trump's push for increased oil and gas production under a "drill-baby-drill" approach may face practical limitations. The United States is already producing oil at record levels, and further increases could lead to oversupply, depressing energy sector revenues. Experts caution that market dynamics, rather than political agendas, will largely dictate fuel prices.

Geopolitical and Economic Risks

Unforeseen crises, such as escalated conflicts in the Middle East or natural disasters, could disrupt global oil supplies and drive prices higher. Conversely, a significant economic downturn could push prices lower, though such a scenario would likely reflect broader economic challenges.

Global hits:

 Also check: Big Lots strikes deal to keep hundreds of stores open and save jobs

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📈 Stocks

S&P 500 5,906.94 (-1.07%)
DJIA 42,573.73 (-0.97%)
NASDAQ 19,486.78 (-1.19%)
BRENT CRUDE 74.39 (+0.30%)
* Prices as of Mar 3rd, 12:20 AM UTC

Boeing Shares Decline Amid South Korea’s Safety Inspection Following Fatal Jeju Air Crash

Boeing's stock took a hit Monday after South Korea ordered inspections of all 737-800 planes operated by its domestic carriers. The move followed a deadly Jeju Air crash over the weekend, which claimed 179 lives. While the exact cause remains unclear, authorities are investigating a potential "bird strike" and other factors, raising concerns about the aircraft's operational safety.

The 737-800, a widely used model with a strong safety record, accounts for about 17% of the global jet fleet. However, its prominent use in South Korea, including 39 jets operated by Jeju Air, has drawn heightened scrutiny. The country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) has launched a "comprehensive special inspection" of the model, alongside a broader review of its aviation safety systems.

U.S. authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing, are assisting South Korea's investigation. The involvement of engine manufacturer CFM International adds another layer of focus on the aircraft’s components.

Investor concerns deepened as local media reported another Jeju Air 737-800 experienced landing gear issues on Monday. Shares of Jeju Air fell -8.65%, hitting an all-time low. Boeing, while emphasizing its support for the investigation, also expressed condolences to the victims' families.

The plane crash adds to Boeing's challenges as the company continues its recovery from a series of setbacks, including the 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, the FAA’s nearly two-year grounding of the aircraft, a mid-flight door plug failure in January 2024, and ongoing leadership turnover with a revolving door of CEOs.

Reminder: NYSE to close on Jan. 9 in honor of the late former President Jimmy Carter.

💵 Personal Finance

Where home prices jumped the most in 2024

Real estate is a great investment with some metro areas offering above 10% returns. Here are some that grew the highest in 2024:

  • Anaheim, California: 12.5%

  • Newark, New Jersey: 11.3%

  • New Brunswick, New Jersey: 10.8%

  • Nassau County, New York: 9.9%

  • Providence, Rhode Island: 9.8%

  • West Palm Beach, Florida: 8.6%

  • Chicago: 8.6%

  • Detroit: 8.5%

  • San Jose, California: 8.5%

  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 8.3%

  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 8.1%

  • Seattle: 8.1%

  • Miami: 7.9%

  • Cleveland: 7.5%

  • Warren, Michigan: 7.5%

Housing shortages and a growing population are some of the major reasons why these areas have seen such impressive growth. Limited inventory in areas like Newark, New Brunswick, and Nassau County is increasing prices as remote workers and commuters seek affordable alternatives to living directly in New York City.

While most markets saw prices rise, San Antonio and Austin, Texas, stood out with relatively flat prices. Meanwhile, Rust Belt cities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, and Cleveland, historically known for affordability, experienced notable growth as buyers sought lower-cost alternatives to high-priced coastal markets.

💰 Be a Better Investor

"Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.”

Norman Vincent Peale

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👩🏽‍⚖️ Legal Stuff
Nothing in this newsletter is financial advice. Always do your own research and think for yourself.