2024: A Year in Review
Events that moved humanity forward.
Dear Readers,
2024. As the year ends, many of us are taking stock—celebrating wins, setting new goals, and looking back on the moments that shaped our lives. Starting 2025 on a lighter note, I wanted to write about what we as humanity have achieved in 2024, noting the discoveries and innovations that have propelled us forward.
Before we get into it, time for some 2024 finance trivia!
Fact: The S&P 500 grew 23.3% in 2024, excluding dividends. This added over $10 trillion of shareholder value.
Question: Guesses for the S&P 500’s top gainer? (Hint: It’s not NVIDIA)
Answer: Palantir → PLTR grew +340.5%. For context, Bitcoin grew +130%.
The World Wrapped
Out of the many great things we did, these stood out.
Global Innovations
AI Takes the Lead: AI tools became indispensable in 2024. From adaptive learning platforms in schools to personalized healthcare systems optimizing treatment plans, artificial intelligence continued to revolutionize the way we live and work.
Fusion Energy Breakthrough: The announcement of the first commercially viable nuclear fusion reactor marked a historic step towards clean and limitless energy! This news wasn’t given enough screen-time with AI stealing all its thunder.
Autonomous Transportation: Cities worldwide embraced autonomous buses and delivery systems, with advanced regulatory frameworks paving the way for safer and more efficient urban mobility.
Space Exploration Milestones
NASA’s Lunar Gateway: A crewed mission established a sustainable presence in lunar orbit, setting the stage for humanity’s next frontier: Mars.
Private Space Travel: SpaceX and Blue Origin commercialized suborbital tourism, while Rocket Lab introduced cost-effective satellite launches for startups, democratizing access to space. Brownie points to SpaceX for its rocket launch and catch in October - watching it was nothing of short of phenomenal.
Markets and Finance
Crypto Regulation: Governments introduced standardized frameworks for digital currencies, making them mainstream financial tools. And we have crypto bulls all-around after Trump’s election.
Emerging Markets Surge: Countries like India, Indonesia, and Nigeria led global GDP growth, driven by tech exports and digital financial inclusion.
Cultural and Social Highlights
AI in the Arts: AI-generated films and artwork redefined creative boundaries, blending human ingenuity with machine precision. 2024 also saw a writer’s strike questioning its implications, understandably why.
Cultural Crossover: Korean and Indian cinema dominated global box offices, fusing traditional storytelling with cutting-edge VFX.
The milestones of 2024 have created a new, better normal. This was the first year that blended AI technology, sustainability, and creativity into everyday life. From bold strides in space and energy to cultural innovation, this new era reflects humanity’s resilience and boundless potential.
Wishes for 2025.
