What’s Ahead for the Stock Market and Economy in 2024? Roundtable Pros Weigh In.

With a few exceptions, the members of the 2024 Barron’s Roundtable expect the stock market to disappoint, with the index delivering returns of minus-5% to plus-5% for the full year. No, they don’t see a ruinous recession, and yes, they expect the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates at some point during the year. Their main worry is that stocks are too richly valued, leaving little margin for error.

Those with a sunnier view cite massive capital investment across the economy, the promise of new technologies like artificial intelligence, and incipient investor affection for the less magnificent 493. Bullish or bearish, these 11 money managers and market mavens duked it out Jan. 8 in New York, at a daylong gabfest hosted by Barron’s. They also shared their best investment bets for the new year.