Is the Bull Market Back? 3 signs Point to a Positive 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. Is the Bull Market Back? 3 signs Point to a Positive 2025
- 2. 1.History in the Making: the First Five Days Indicator
- 3. 2. setting New Heights: The Power of the January Barometer
- 4. 3. Riding the Post-Election wave
- 5. What specific diversification strategies would you recommend to investors looking to mitigate risk in their portfolios?
- 6. Is the Bull Market Back? 3 Signs Point to a Positive 2025
- 7. An Interview with Jake Miller, Chief Investment Officer at Apex Asset Management
- 8. 1. history in the Making: the First Five Days Indicator
- 9. 2. Setting New Heights: The Power of the January Barometer
- 10. 3. Riding the Post-Election Wave
- 11. Looking Ahead
After a stellar run spanning over two years, the stock market needed a breather.In late 2024, the benchmark S&P 500 took a pause after hitting record highs in early December, even missing out on the highly anticipated ”Santa Claus rally.” This triggered fears among investors that the bull market was nearing its end. But fear not, the tide seems to be turning once again, with several bullish indicators suggesting that the current bull market has plenty of steam left.
here are three signs pointing towards a prosperous 2025 for investors:
1.History in the Making: the First Five Days Indicator
The year 2025 kicked off with a positive return for the S&P 500, closing the first five days up 0.47%. This might seem insignificant, but it holds notable weight for market historians. According to Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist for financial services company Carson Group, “Going back to 1950, the market gained ground in 48 of those years, and the full-year returns were higher in 81% of the cases.” Further strengthening this trend, Detrick highlights that during those positive years, the stock market averaged a 14% gain, exceeding the average gain of 9.5% observed in other years.
Based on this past precedent, this positive start to 2025 appears to be a promising omen.
2. setting New Heights: The Power of the January Barometer
The S&P 500 marked a new record high on Thursday,fueled by positive financial reports and anticipation of future interest rate cuts. This surge brought the year-to-date gains to 4% (as of the time of writing). While impressive, savvy market strategists are looking ahead to another historical indicator: the January Barometer.
“So goes January, goes the year” – this proverb holds water when it comes to the January Barometer. Unveiled by Yale Hirsch of the Stock Trader’s Almanac in 1972, this indicator analyzes the correlation between January’s market performance and the overall trend for the rest of the year. Detrick points out that “when January is positive for stocks, the market continues to gain ground 86% of the time, generating additional returns of 12%.”
If this historical pattern holds true, 2025 could be a rewarding year for investors.
3. Riding the Post-Election wave
Another factor adding to the optimism is the historical trend of market performance following elections. Years that have witnessed market gains typically see an average return of 20.5% for the S&P 500 (and its predecessor, the Composite Index). unless unforeseen economic turmoil or a black swan event disrupts the current trajectory, this positive momentum could continue throughout the year.
While predicting the future of the stock market remains a complicated exercise, history offers valuable insights. No one can say for sure where the market will end up in 2025. Though, based on the current trends and historical precedents, the S&P 500 has a good chance of achieving further gains, potentially reaching new heights.
It’s also worth noting that while a correction – a drop between 10% and 20% – is likely at some point, it’s expected to be brief and followed by a rebound. The market’s long-term upward trajectory remains intact.
Wall Street analysts project an impressive 14.8% gain for the S&P 500 in 2025. While these projections matter, they should not dictate the long-term investment strategy of everyday investors. Focusing on long-term wealth-building goals is key.The stock market has historically delivered an average annual return of 10% over the past 50 years, making it the most reliable path to wealth creation in history.
Therefore, savvy investors should focus on identifying high-quality stocks or consider a solid exchange-traded fund (ETF) and ride out the short-term fluctuations while allowing the market to work its magic over the long run.
What specific diversification strategies would you recommend to investors looking to mitigate risk in their portfolios?
Is the Bull Market Back? 3 Signs Point to a Positive 2025
After a stellar run spanning over two years, the stock market needed a breather. In late 2024, the benchmark S&P 500 took a pause after hitting record highs in early December, even missing out on the highly anticipated “Santa Claus rally.” This triggered fears among investors that the bull market was nearing its end. But fear not,the tide seems to be turning once again,with several bullish indicators suggesting that the current bull market has plenty of steam left.
To delve deeper into these promising signals, Archyde spoke with Jake Miller, Chief Investment Officer at Apex asset Management.
An Interview with Jake Miller, Chief Investment Officer at Apex Asset Management
Archyde: The stock market took a breather late last year, raising concerns among investors. What are some of the positive signs pointing towards a potential bull market resurgence in 2025?
Jake Miller: I think it’s vital to remember that market corrections are a normal part of the cycle. While the late 2024 pause was certainly noticeable, several indicators suggest that the bull market is far from over.
1. history in the Making: the First Five Days Indicator
One particularly encouraging sign is the positive start to 2025. the S&P 500 closed the first five days up 0.47%. Historically, going back to 1950, this trend has been correlated with strong full-year performance.
Archyde: Can you elaborate on this historical correlation?
Jake Miller: Absolutely. according to market historian Ryan Detrick, in 48 of the past 74 years, when the S&P 500 has shown a gain in the first five days, the market closed the year with positive returns. Of those positive years, 81% saw an average 14% gain compared to a 9.5% average gain in years with a negative start.
Archyde: That’s a compelling statistic.Are there any other historical trends to consider?
2. Setting New Heights: The Power of the January Barometer
Definitely! Another indicator worth watching is the “January Barometer.” This trend, popularized by Yale Hirsch of the stock Trader’s Almanac, suggests that the performance of the stock market in January frequently enough predicts the overall market trajectory for the rest of the year. When January is positive, the market tends to continue its upward momentum approximately 86% of the time, achieving an additional 12% return.
This year we’ve already seen the S&P 500 reach a new record high in January, fueled by positive earnings reports and anticipation of future interest rate cuts.
3. Riding the Post-Election Wave
Archyde: Beyond these historical indicators, are there any other factors contributing to this optimism?
Jake Miller: There’s a strong historical precedent for market performance following elections. the years that have seen market gains tend to average a 20.5% return for the S&P 500. Unless unforeseen economic turmoil disrupts the current trajectory, this positive momentum should continue throughout 2025.
Looking Ahead
Archyde: What would you say to investors who are feeling apprehensive about potential market corrections?
Jake Miller: Market corrections are an certain part of the cycle. What matters is having a long-term perspective. While short-term fluctuations can be unsettling, history shows that the stock market has consistently trended upwards over the long run. For investors focused on long-term goals, these corrections present opportunities to perhaps buy quality assets at more favorable prices.
Would you incorporate additional diversification strategies into your portfolio?