Investment Review - June 2020
- Stocks, measured by the S&P 500, ended the month of May off just 5.8% for the year after rallying 36% from the late March low. In May the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 6.2%, the S&P 500 was up 6.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 9.1%. International equity markets were also higher. The MSCI Europe Australia Far East Index (EAFE) gained 5.8% and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index was up 1.7%. Strong performance in the technology sector and unprecedented monetary stimulus fueled the outperformance.
- With the recent rally in stocks combined with a weaker corporate earnings outlook, the S&P 500 trades at 22 times its expected earnings over the next 12 months. This is the highest valuation since June 2001. Consensus earnings estimates this year have ranged from over 10% growth at the start of 2020 to the current consensus of down 20%. Earnings visibility is understandably cloudy in this environment.
Sources: Bloomberg LLC, FACTSET, U.S. Commerce Department, Bloomberg Businessweek, IHS
Disclosure: This commentary reflects the opinions of Welch & Forbes based on information that we believe to be reliable. It is intended for informational purposes only, and not to suggest any specific performance or results, nor should it be considered investment, financial, tax or other professional advice. It is not an offer or solicitation.
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