The S&P 500, a bellwether of the U.S. stock market, has been on a rollercoaster ride in 2023, with its ups and downs mirroring the fluctuations in investor sentiment.
S&P 500’s 2023 journey
In 2023, the S&P 500 experienced significant volatility, but it ended the year with an 18% gain. This performance was far from linear, characterized by dramatic swings driven by various factors.
First-Half Surge: The S&P 500 made a strong comeback in the year’s first half, rebounding from bear market lows. Signs of economic resilience, better-than-expected corporate earnings, and growing enthusiasm around artificial intelligence fueled this surge.
Second-Half Decline: However, the second half of the year saw a reversal of fortune. The index faced three consecutive monthly declines from August to October due to renewed recession fears and hawkish commentary from the Federal Reserve, indicating prolonged high-interest rates.
Late-Year Rally: The rollercoaster took another sharp turn towards the end of the year, as the S&P 500 recorded four consecutive weeks of gains by late November. Positive economic data, including a low October inflation reading, contributed to this resurgence, potentially signaling an end to the Fed’s rate-hiking campaign.
Historical trends and forecasts
The recent four-week win streak in the S&P 500 is a relatively rare occurrence, having happened only 10 other times in history. Historical data suggests that such streaks are often followed by further upward momentum, with an average return of 16.3% during the 12-month period following these streaks. Moreover, this trend resulted in a positive return 80% of the time, according to Carson Group.
Furthermore, when analyzing the impact of inflation and interest rates on the S&P 500, data from JPMorgan Chase indicates that after the end of a rate hike cycle, the index has historically returned an average of 17.6% during the subsequent 12-month period, with a positive return occurring 83% of the time. With the recent pause in rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, this forecasting tool suggests the possibility of an 18% increase in the S&P 500 by the end of July 2024.
In addition to historical trends, Wall Street analysts are forecasting a significant acceleration in S&P 500 revenue and earnings growth for 2024. The median price targets of individual stocks in the index, when blended together using a bottom-up methodology, indicate a price target of 5,030 for the S&P 500. This implies a potential 10% upside from its current level, as reported by FactSet.
Investment strategies
Considering the potential scenarios and historical data, investors should exercise caution and remember that no forecasting tool is perfect. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. However, there are several investment strategies to consider in light of the current market conditions:
S&P 500 Index Fund: Investing in an S&P 500 index fund can be a prudent choice for investors seeking broad exposure to the stock market. Historically, the S&P 500 has shown resilience and long-term growth, making it a reliable investment option.
Individual Stock Selection: For investors willing to conduct thorough research, buying individual stocks can provide opportunities for higher returns. Themes like artificial intelligence, which has garnered significant attention, offer potential for substantial wealth creation.
Diversification: Maintaining a diversified portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations. A well-balanced portfolio may include a mix of index funds, individual stocks, and other asset classes.
