1. Stock market surge

2013 gallery s&p 500 ytd

2013 was the year of Wall Street records.

The Dow and S&P 500 hit record after record, climbing 23%, 26%, even 34% this year -- powered by the Federal Reserve's stimulus.

The central bank did dial that back slightly in December, but many expect the spigot will stay open in 2014.

And Main Street isn't feeling so great. Fast food workers nationwide have been protesting for higher pay -- a debate we'll likely see play out in the New Year.

Related: Best performing stocks of 2013

First published December 23, 2013: 8:27 AM ET

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