There is life outside the S&P500
The S&P 500 has dominated performance charts for the last decade, with its lead becoming even more pronounced in the past three years, outpacing global indices. This stellar performance is driven by several factors: a robust US economy, healthy corporate profits, and the prominence of megacap stocks benefiting from the artificial intelligence boom. Additionally, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates this year and potentially lower them by another 1.00% in 2025.
However, this impressive performance comes at a cost. The chart above compares the Earnings Yield 12-month forward (EY12MF) of the S&P 500 with the yield of a US 10-year government bond. Historically, the average gap between these two yields has been around 3.6%, but it currently stands at just 0.3%. This indicates an extreme or very extreme valuation gap, suggesting that the S&P 500 may be overvalued.
Navigating Market Timing and Seeking Alternatives
Experienced investors understand that market timing can be challenging and often frustrating. So, what should investors do with this information? Our recommendation is to diversify investments by considering the following alternatives, which offer attractive valuations and growth prospects (See table below).
S&P 500 Equal Weighted Index: Unlike the traditional S&P 500, assigns equal weight to each company, resulting in better performance during periods when smaller companies excel. It offers attractive valuation and similar growth levels, making it a compelling choice.
S&P 400 Midcap Index: This index focuses on medium-sized companies, offering a balance between growth potential and stability. With favorable valuations, it allows investors to acquire stocks at a lower price relative to their earnings growth prospects.
Health Care Sector: This sector stands out for its attractive valuation relative to expected growth and its defensive nature. This sector remains resilient during economic downturns, making it a prudent choice for stability and appreciable returns. It benefits from the ageing population trend.
Swiss Market Index (SMI): This index includes major Swiss stocks known for strong fundamentals and consistent performance. With more attractive valuations than the S&P 500 and a defensive stance, it offers a solid choice for geographic diversification.
CONCLUSION: There is a good a life also outside the S&P500
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