A Snapshot of Stocks Coming and Going
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Source: Bloomberg and Standard and Poor's.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

View from the Observation Deck

  1. The chart above shows the average annual total returns of the S&P 500 and its 10 major sectors since the end of the last bear market.
  2. Investors looking to allocate capital to U.S. large-cap stocks can see how the various sectors have contributed to the rebound.
  3. Included are estimated 2012 price-to-earnings ratios and earnings estimates. This allows investors to compare returns since 3/9/09 to next year's estimated earnings and know the expected cost of a dollar's worth of earnings.
  4. For example, the S&P Industrials Index has been the second best performing sector, behind the S&P Consumer Discretionary Index, but has the top earnings estimate for 2012 at +14.56% as of 10/31, according to Standard and Poor's. Its estimated P/E ratio of 11.96 is only slightly higher than the S&P 500's at 11.58. The S&P 500's earnings estimate, however, is 10.71%.
Posted on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 @ 8:49 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.