NEW YORK (Reuters) - As the curtain falls on a tumultuous year for U.S. stocks, investors are closely monitoring potential influencers that could shape equities in the final weeks of 2023. Notably, the spotlight is on the impact of tax-loss selling and the much-anticipated 'Santa Claus rally.'The primary driver for stocks remains the anticipated path of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy. Signs of slowing economic growth have fueled speculation that the U.S. central bank might initiate rate cuts as early as the first half of 2024. This prospect has ignited a rally propelling the S&P 500 to a robust 19.6% year-to-date gain, reaching a fresh closing high for the year this Friday.Simultaneously, this year has seen robust seasonal trends. Historically weak September gave way to a volatile October, yet November, traditionally a strong month, delivered a substantial 9% gain for the S&P 500."While we've had a solid year, historical patterns suggest that December can sometimes chart its own...