The S&P 500 Index Is On Pace To Post Its Third Consecutive Double-Digit Gain

Bob Carey
Chief Market Strategist

Bio
X • LinkedIn

Blog Home

Send Us Your Comments And Questions

RSS Feed

The S&P 500 Index Is On Pace To Post Its Third Consecutive Double-Digit Gain

Posted Under: Conceptual Investing

View from the Observation Deck

If the S&P 500 Index holds on to its double-digit total return in 2021, it will mark the sixth time since 1926 that it has done so for three or more consecutive years (see table).
For those equity investors wondering if the momentum in the market, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, can continue, the longest stretch of consecutive calendar-year double-digit total returns was five (1995-1999). This period captured the bulk of the internet revolution.
What do the pros think? A Bloomberg survey of 12 equity strategists on Wall Street found that their average 2022 year-end price target for the S&P 500 Index was 4,843 as of 11/19/21, according to its own release. The highest and lowest estimates were 5,300 and 4,400, respectively. On 12/13/21, the S&P 500 Index closed at 4,668.97, which was 0.91% below its all-time closing high of 4,712.02 on 12/10/21.
Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors L.P., issued his 2022 forecast on 12/13/21 calling for the S&P 500 Index to finish the year at 5,250.
As of the close on 12/13/21, the S&P 500 Index would need to post a gain of 3.73% to reach the 4,843 average year-end target from the equity strategists surveyed. It would need to generate a gain of 13.52% to hit 5,300 (highest estimate) and 12.44% to reach Wesbury's 5,250 projection.
As we have noted on many occasions, whenever the stock market is trading at or near its all-time high, corporate earnings typically need to grow to push valuations higher.
Bloomberg's consensus estimated earnings growth rates for the S&P 500 Index for 2022 and 2023 were 8.11% and 9.79%, respectively, as of 12/10/21.
While not included in the table above, the total returns posted in the years that ended the five previous streaks were as follows: 1.38% (2015); -9.10% (2000); -10.06% (1966); -0.99% (1953); and -8.07% (1946).

This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. The illustration excludes the effects of taxes and brokerage commissions or other expenses incurred when investing. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. The S&P 500 is a capitalization-weighted index comprised of 500 stocks used to measure large-cap U.S. stock market performance.

Download a PDF of this post, please click here.

Posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 @ 11:15 AM • Post Link

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.

Most Current Posts

<<< Newer Posts • Older Posts >>>

Search Posts

MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Commentary and Analysis
•	Market Commentary Video
•	Monthly Talking Points
•	Quarterly Newsletter
•	Market Observations

Subscribe To Receive Email

PREVIOUS POSTS
•	A Snapshot Of Gold, Silver And The Miners
•	A Look Back At The Top-Performing S&P 500 Index Subsectors In 2013
•	A Snapshot Of The S&P 500 Index Earnings Beat Rate
•	S&P 500 Index Earnings & Revenue Growth Rate Projections
•	A Global Snapshot Of Equity Returns Spanning The COVID-19 Pandemic
•	How Bonds Have Fared Since 8/4/20
•	How Defensive Sectors Have Fared During Periods Of Elevated Inflation
•	A Snapshot of Growth vs. Value Investing
•	A Snapshot Of Growth vs. Value Investing (Small-Caps)
•	A Snapshot Of The U.S. Dollar