The year 2017 has been an eventful journey thanks to the “Trump Factor” that led the market to scale new highs. Major indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and NASDAQ have gained 19.5%, 25.3% and 28%, respectively, in a year, and analysts see no reasons for the momentum to recede in 2018.
Synopsis of 2017
The market became witness to some major events, news and reforms in 2017 — the Fed raised benchmark interest rate thrice this year, unemployment rate reached its 17-year low rate, economy grew at a rate of 3% or more for two successive quarters, the new tax code finally passed, corporates reported sturdy earnings results and craze for cryptocurrencies rose. However, bitter memories of disasters caused by hurricane Harvey and Irma still linger.
The year was also buzzing with some major acquisitions news such as — Amazon’s takeover of Whole Foods; Disney acquiring some assets of Twenty-First Century Fox; and Apple buying London-based music company Shazam. The story continues with Verizon concluding the buyout of Yahoo; EQT Corporation acquiring rival Rice Energy; and Gilead Sciences completing the acquisition of Kite Pharma.
A favorable economic backdrop, major reforms and increase in infrastructure outlays are likely to spur domestic investments and stimulate growth. If the government ably channelizes the policies and implements pro-investors and pro-corporate reforms, Wall Street would continue to be ruled by bulls.
Expectations for 2018
With the U.S. economy firing on all cylinders and job market strengthening, the Fed advocates three more hikes in 2018 and chalked out a detailed plan to shrink $4.5 trillion portfolio of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities. The policy makers expect the unemployment rate to dip 20 basis points to 3.9% in 2018.
Industry experts believe that the labor market is likely to get a major boost from Trump’s tax reform policy. Janet Yellen, whose term ends in February, pointed that any rational tax reform that triggers economic activities, helps create jobs and increase wages is always welcome. The Fed envisions economy to grow at a rate of 2.5% in both 2017 and 2018.
With things looking great it is time you rejuvenate your portfolio.
5 Prominent Picks
Here we have highlighted five stocks with a favorable combination of a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of A or B with a market cap of $2 billion or more. These stocks are backed by sound fundamentals, surging share price and a track record of better-than-expected results. Not only this, these stocks have outperformed their respective industries.
Centene Corporation CNC, a diversified and multi-national healthcare enterprise, is a lucrative option. The stock has a long-term earnings growth rate of 14% and a VGM Score of A. We note that the stock has soared approximately 82% in a year, while the industry has rallied 41.8%. The company has a Zacks Rank #1 and delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 10.6% in the trailing four quarters. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
You may also consider Rush Enterprises, Inc. RUSHA with a VGM Score of A and a long-term earnings growth rate of 15%. In a year, this Zacks Rank #1 stock has advanced roughly 60.9%, compared with the industry’s growth of 9.1%. This integrated retailer of commercial vehicles and related services delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 32.6% in the preceding four quarters.
We also suggest investing in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. FCAU with a long-term earnings growth rate of 19% and a VGM Score of A. In a year, the stock has surged a little of over 100% outperforming the industry’s growth of 12.7%. This designer, manufacturer, distributor, and seller of vehicles, components and production systems delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 17% in the preceding four quarters. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Investors can count on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. WWE with a VGM Score of B and a long-term earnings growth rate of 20%. In a year, this Zacks Rank #2 stock has advanced roughly 64.9%, compared with the industry’s rally of 24.9%. This media and entertainment company engaged in the sports entertainment business delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 7.4% in the preceding four quarters.
Wynn Resorts, Limited WYNN, owner and operator of destination casino resorts, is also a solid bet with a Zacks Rank #2 and a VGM Score of A. The company posted an average positive earnings surprise of 15.4% in the trailing four quarters. The stock has surged 94.8% in a year and comfortably outperformed the industry’s increase of 43.8%.
More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!
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