Salient to Investors: The majority of companies surpassed their previous highs by April 2011. 59 percent of S&P 500 stocks have exceeded their previous records set before the Index peaked in 2007. Unlike past bull markets, where a single industry dominated, all groups have improved in this rally. None of the
READ MORE... →Salient to Investors: Brad Sorensen at Charles Schwab said the economic numbers are holding up really well, and housing rebounding will continue, feeding into consumer confidence. 74 percent of S&P 500 companies so far reporting quarterly results have beat estimates. The index is at 14.8 times reported earnings versus the average
READ MORE... →Salient to Investors: The S&P 500 is at 15 times reported earnings versus a low of 13 in 2012 and the 6-decade average of 16.4. T. Doug Dale at Security Ballew Wealth Mgmt said we’re extremely overbought, but the market can continue higher. James McDonald at Northern Trust said a pause is understandable given the strong
READ MORE... →Salient to Investors: Companies are paying special dividends at four times the pace of last year with rates poised to jump in 2013. The calendar is influencing even the payment of regular dividends. Dividends are regaining popularity after falling out of favor in the 1990s. Todd Lowenstein at HighMark Capital Mgmt said
READ MORE... →Predictions: David Bianco of Deutsche Bank no longer expects a near term rally of 5 percent or more because of uncertainty about the Greek election, but maintained his year-end prediction of 1,475 on the S&P 500. David Trone of JMP Securities expects some of the largest financial institutions to underperform due to concern that Europe will experience significant damage. Michael Hartnett of Bank of
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