Stock indexes have continued their winning streak in 2021, with growth stocks leading the way and producing stellar returns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq Composite all reached record highs this year, despite the disruption caused by the pandemic. The strong performance of these indexes has been attributed to the relentless buying of high-growth tech stocks and their contributors to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.
Growth stocks have outshone the broader markets this year, and their strong performance has been the primary driver of the stock market’s gains. These high-growth tech stocks are the favorites of investors who are willing to take on more risk in search of bigger returns this year. The buying frenzy has been driven by the market’s optimistic outlook on the economic recovery, and analysts believe this trend could continue for some time.
The market rally has not been confined to just the tech sector. Cyclical stocks have also played an important role in driving the markets’ returns. Companies that are in the business of producing consumer goods have seen their shares surge as the economy continues to reopen. Companies exposed to the travel and leisure sectors, including airlines and hotels, have also seen their shares appreciate as restrictions are gradually lifted.
The rise in stock prices has seen equity valuations soar to heady levels. The S&P 500 currently trades at a forward Price-to-Earnings ratio of 25.9, more than double its historical average. This has made analysts wary of the market’s future prospects, and some have advised caution while investing in stocks at these levels.
In spite of the elevated valuations and the market’s run, buying stocks to benefit from the growth still seems to be a viable investment strategy. With the global economy expected to come out of its slump in the coming months, investors who are willing to take on risks could stand to benefit from the market’s gains. Investing in stocks chosen carefully could yield investors solid returns over the long term.