U.S. stocks finish strong year as investors brace for Trump's inauguration and key job data

U.S. stocks finished a strong year, with the S&P 500 up about 25% and the Nasdaq up over 31% as of December 27. However, there was a selloff on Friday due to profit-taking and uncertainty about January's market performance. Investors are looking ahead to key economic data, including U.S. job growth figures on January 10, which could impact market sentiment. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20 may also influence markets, with expectations of significant executive actions. Trump's policies could affect various sectors, particularly banks and energy. The Federal Reserve's upcoming monetary policy meeting in late January may further challenge the stock rally, while the new administration's approach to cryptocurrencies is boosting investor confidence in that market.