S&P 500 Index Stock Prices Relative To Their 52-Week Highs
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View from the Observation Deck  
  1. The averages in the chart simply reflect where the stocks in the S&P 500 Index stood, by sector, relative to their 52-week highs as of 10/10/18.  
  2. From 10/10/17 through 10/10/18, the S&P 500 Index, which is capitalization-weighted, posted a total return of 11.32%, according to Bloomberg. On a price-only basis, which excludes dividends, the index was up 9.21%.
  3. Year-to-date through 9/28/18, 58.8% of the stocks in the S&P 500 Index (currently 505) had positive returns on a price-only basis, according to S&P Down Jones Indices. In 2017, 74.7% of stocks in the index finished the year in positive territory.  
  4. As of 10/10/18, the S&P 500 Index closed at 2,785.68, 4.95% below its all-time high established on 9/20/18 (2,930.75), according to Bloomberg.
  5. A Bloomberg survey of 25 equity strategists found that their average year-end price target for the S&P 500 Index was 2,956 as of 8/29/18, according to its own release. The highest estimate was 3,200, while the lowest was 2,750.
This chart is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. There can be no assurance that any of the projections cited will occur. 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 a capitalization-weighted index comprised of 500 stocks (currently 505) used to measure large-cap U.S. stock market performance, while the 11 major S&P 500 Sector Indices are capitalization-weighted and comprised of S&P 500 constituents representing a specific sector.

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Posted on Thursday, October 11, 2018 @ 11:29 AM

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.