Stories From This Week In History

Tis the season.

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Holiday retail sales are expected to break $1 trillion for the first time ever, up 3% from 2023.

We’ve got our first-ever Christmas day NFL games competing with a full slate of NBA games, and the 12 team CFB championship bracket is set. Unfortunately, Wharton Business School didn’t qualify.

The McRib is officially back at McDonald’s, and while correlation doesn’t equal causation…

Have a great holiday and remember, stay bullish.

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest market events from this week in history.

December 20, 1996: Steve Jobs Returns To Apple 📅

Apple took a big swing in purchasing NeXT, the company founded by Steve Jobs after his departure from Apple in 1985. NeXT was known for high-end workstations and software, including the NeXTSTEP operating system, which would later set the stage for macOS. Valued at $429 million, this was a strategic move to acquire NeXT’s software and bring Jobs back into the company. At the time, Apple was struggling with its market share and product line, and the acquisition was a major step in reshaping the company.

Steve Jobs became full-time CEO 1997, and his impact was immediately felt. Jobs revamped Apple’s product lineup, introducing a more streamlined approach to design and technology, which culminated in the release of the iMac in 1998. This move not only revitalized Apple's brand but also positioned the company as a major player in consumer electronics once again. Check out Apple’s Stock Certificate from the 1908s postcard from 1980 in the Ticker History shop!

December 21, 2020: Tesla Joins The S&P 500 📅

On December 21, 2020, Tesla made history by becoming the largest company ever added to the S&P 500, with a market capitalization of $600 billion. This followed the year in which Tesla's stock soared over 700%, despite significant short-selling by institutional investors. As shorts faced staggering losses—totaling around $38 billion—CEO Elon Musk playfully mocked them by selling Tesla-branded "short shorts."Tesla's inclusion triggered a wave of institutional buying, as funds tracking the S&P were required to incorporate the stock into their portfolios. This influx of demand pushed Tesla's market cap to over $650 billion by the end of the year, highlighting the growing impact of innovative companies on traditional financial markets.

For historic automotive stock certificates like this Electric Garage and Service print from 1912, check out the Ticker History Shop.

December 20, 2007: Bear Stearns Reports First Ever Loss 📅

On December 20, 2007, Bear Stearns shocked Wall Stree by reporting a loss of $854 million for the fourth quarter, marking its first quarterly loss in over 80 years. This unprecedented downturn was largely due to the collapse of the subprime mortgage market, as Bear Stearns faced significant exposure to nearly worthless mortgage-backed securities.

The announcement served as a critical warning sign for the impending global financial crisis. Investors reacted swiftly, causing Bear Stearns' stock price to plummet from around $170 to just $10 amid fears of imminent collapse. Just a few months later, the firm was sold to JPMorgan Chase for a mere $1.4 billion, underscoring the severity of the financial turmoil that would escalate into a worldwide recession.

For historic financial stock certificates like this American Express print, check out the Ticker History Shop.

More Events From This Week In History 📅

Featured Stock Memorabilia 📅

Told You So 📅

Looking Forward 📅

That’s old news- what can we look forward to this week?

-The U.S. Retail Sales Report for November is released on 12/17, giving us the final Black Friday numbers.

-Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announces its monetary policy positions, including interest rate changes, on 12/18.

-Jerome Powell is expected to hold a press conference immediately after the FOMC decision.

-Mufasa, the much-anticipated sequel to the Lion King, comes to theatres on 12/20. A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic, opens shortly after.

-The first-ever 12 team CFB playoff kicks off with Indiana taking on Notre Dame on 12/20.