It has been a violent ride...
First, we experienced the fastest bear market ever in U.S. stocks. And now, the rally has been just as aggressive.
This kind of whiplash has a lot of folks confused. Even for the investing pros, it's tough to get a read on what's next for stocks.
Could the next sharp fall be right around the corner? Or will this market keep heading higher?
Fortunately, recent market action gives us a little insight on how to answer those questions.
You see, stocks rallied more than 10% in April alone. A one-month move like that hasn't happened since 2011. And it has only happened a handful of times going back to 1950.
It turns out, these rare moves have been extremely bullish over the last 70 years. We could see the S&P 500 Index rally double digits over the next year.
Let me explain...
U.S. stocks haven't looked back since bottoming on March 23. The S&P 500 is up 36% since then.
Rumors of an intensifying trade war and the constant onslaught of coronavirus news could have stopped the rally. But they've failed. History now shows us that today's upward move still has room to run.
The S&P 500 jumped 13% in April. You can see the fantastic rally in the chart below...
Stocks rose again in May, jumping more than 3%. But as the chart shows, the stronger move from stocks was in April. And history tells us how rare it was, too.
A move of 10% or more in a month has happened just 12 times since 1950. And that includes this recent instance. This kind of momentum often leads to more upside as well...
Nine of the previous 11 extremes led to further gains in the S&P 500 over the next year. And it can mean significant outperformance. Check it out...
The broad market has returned nearly 8% a year since 1950. That's impressive. But buying after moves like this can lead to much better results...
Similar instances have led to 4% gains in three months, 11% gains in six months, and an impressive 12% gain over the next year.
Simply put, buying after a move like we saw in April can turn a boring 7.6% gain into a solid double-digit win over the next year.
The market seems tough to gauge right now. First the major crash... then the major rally. But history points to more gains from here.
The S&P 500's jarring rally is likely to continue. Make sure you're on board.
Good investing,
Chris Igou
Further Reading
"Everyone wants to know where the stock market's headed next," Mark Putrino writes. And bearish sentiment in the markets today points to the possibility of a major climb higher from here... Get the full story here: Why We're on the Edge of an 18% Rally.
Opportunities for big gains often present themselves when investors are fearful. And right now, history is telling us that the recent fear could lead to major gains in the near term... Learn more here: Why Extreme Fear Could Be a Positive for U.S. Stocks.
U.S. stocks could see another breakout in the coming months. And this trusted company is a likely winner as stocks move higher...
HIGHS AND LOWS
NEW HIGHS OF NOTE LAST WEEK
Wix.com (WIX)... e-commerce platform
eBay (EBAY)... online marketplace
BlackLine (BL)... cloud-based accounting software
Tyler Technologies (TYL)... government software provider
Quest Diagnostics (DGX)... medical data
Home Depot (HD)... home improvement
Lowe's (LOW)... home improvement
Dollar General (DG)... discount retailer
Lululemon Athletica (LULU)... yoga pants
Boston Beer (SAM)... beer
Electronic Arts (EA)... video games
Flutter Entertainment (PDYPY)... "vice" stocks
NEW LOWS OF NOTE LAST WEEK
Not many... The market has been rallying from its recent lows.
