The S&P 500 ended a solid year with a third weekly loss in the past five, trimming its 2016 total return to 11.96%, its strongest annual performance in two years. Also inclusive of dividends, the Dow Industrials surged 16.50% in 2016, its best year since 2013, while the NASDAQ Composite returned 8.87%. Treasuries capped its second straight weekly gain since the election, ending the year at 2.445%, up 17.5 basis points over the past 12 months. The last week of the year was marred by mixed economic data and geopolitical tensions. President Obama announced a series of strong sanctions against Russia, expelling 35 suspected spies from the U.S. and closed Russian conclaves in response to alleged computer hacking surrounding the U.S. presidential election. Investors had also turned cautious, recalling a five-year trend whereby the S&P 500 reversed direction in the first week of January from a typical bullish orientation during December.
For the week, the Dow Industrials fell by -0.86% for its first weekly decline since the election, the MSCI EAFE (developed international) increased by +0.61% and, the S&P 500 fell -1.08%.
What We’re Reading
Dow Industrials Gain Most Since 2013 -- CNN
Will the Historical GOP Trend Change? -- CNBC
Oil Pivots Lower on 2017 Start -- Marketwatch
Chart of the Week: S&P 500 Earnings Growth Estimates
With the Dow Industrials flirting with the 20,000 level, CFRA/S&P reminds us that millennium and century marks on major stock indices have traditionally acted like rusty doors, requiring several attempts before finally swinging open. Therefore, it should come as no surprise if stocks take a breather to digest recent gains. However,CFRA Chief Strategist Sam Stovall said individual investors may be inclined to sell in the New Year, as they would likely prefer to trigger a taxable event when their obligation to Uncle Sam may come at a lower rate.
In Chart 1 above, CFRA/S&P shares its 2017 quarterly earnings forecasts broken down for each of the 11 major sector groups. Quite notable is the huge triple-digit earnings growth within the Energy sector and the four instances of red-colored earnings slowdowns forecasted for Industrials, Telecom and Utility sectors. On an overall basis, CFRA/S&P is estimating 2017 earnings growth of 11.8% for S&P 500 companies.
Some materials are chosen by the Cetera Investment Management team and summarized by Jason Vitucci who is not affiliated or registered with Cetera. Cetera Investment Management provides investment management and advisory services to a number of programs sponsored by First Allied Securities and First Allied Advisory Services. Cetera Investment Management individuals who provide investment management services are not associated persons with any broker-dealer. International investing involves additional risk, including currency fluctuations, political or economic conditions affecting the foreign country, and differences in accounting standards and foreign regulations. These risks are magnified in emerging markets. Investing in companies involved in one specified sector may be more risky and volatile than an investment with greater diversification.