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  How U.S. Stocks Have Fared Over The Past 21 Years
Posted Under: Broader Stock Market
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 
View from the Observation Deck  

  1. The index performance figures depicted in the chart above represent a snapshot of how domestic stocks have fared so far in the new millennium (21 years). 
  2. As indicated in the chart, both small-cap stocks (S&P SmallCap 600 Index) and mid-cap stocks (S&P MidCap 400 Index) outperformed their large-cap counterparts, including the 10 sectors in the S&P 500 Index that were around for the entire period, as might be expected if you subscribe to the notion that higher risk should generate higher returns over time.
  3. Our first takeaway from the chart is that the S&P 500 Index only posted an average annual total return of 6.61%. For comparative purposes, from 1926 through 2020 (95 Years), the average annual total return on the S&P 500 Index was 10.28%, according to Morningstar/Ibbotson Associates. 
  4. Our second takeaway is that three of the best-performing sectors over the period were Health Care, Consumer Staples and Utilities. These sectors tend to be characterized as defensive in nature. 
  5. Our third takeaway is that the average annual total return on Information Technology lagged the broader market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index. We should acknowledge that this period was kicked off by the bursting of the internet bubble followed by a recession and extended bear market (3/24/00-10/9/02). 
  6. Technology stocks have been so dominant over the past decade or so that some investors may have forgotten how challenged they were at the onset of the new millennium.
  7. Equities have been tested time and again over the past 21 years. Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors L.P., has been arguing that stocks remain undervalued at current levels based on where interest rates, government bond yields and corporate profits stand. While it may only represent one snapshot in time, the returns in the chart seem to support that claim, in our opinion. 

This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. The illustration excludes the effects of taxes and brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred when investing. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 stocks used to measure large-cap U.S. stock market performance. The S&P MidCap 400 Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the mid-range sector of the U.S. stock market. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks U.S. stocks with a small market capitalization. The 11 major sector indices are capitalization-weighted and comprised of S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600 constituents representing a specific sector. 

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Posted on Thursday, March 4, 2021 @ 12:11 PM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
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The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
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