The S&P 500 is coming off back-to-back annual gains of more than 25% in 2023 and 2024 (including dividends), something it has only done one other time in its history dating back to 1957. In other words, the bull market is roaring.
If you're investing a large sum of money in the stock market, it can be a bit of a challenge finding the right type of investment. Although you want to earn a good return to make the most of that money, you also want to be careful not to take on a lot of risk and incur a huge loss, either.
2024 is turning out to be another strong year for the stock market, with the S&P 500 on track for another year of 20%-plus returns. The benchmark index has produced total returns (including dividends) of nearly 25% as of this writing.
Stocks have been soaring over the last two years since the latest bull market began, and now could be a fantastic opportunity to load up on new investments.
The S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.56%) is having a very strong year, with a 27.3% gain so far. That's more than twice its average annual return going all the way back to 1957.
1 Magnificent Growth ETF That Could Turn $400 Per Month Into $1.4 Million While Barely Lifting a Finger
Launched on 01/26/2004, the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market.
The Vanguard Growth ETF will lean heavily on the tech sector, but its long-term growth potential remains strong.
The Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF is rated a sell due to its lack of diversification and overvaluation in the tech sector. VUG has outperformed the S&P 500 but underperformed the Nasdaq, primarily due to its defensive sector exposure and high concentration in big-cap tech. The tech sector's slowing earnings growth and high valuation premiums suggest limited future returns for VUG, especially in a tepid economic environment.
This exchange-traded fund is heavily weighted toward the best-performing stocks in the S&P 500.
For investors seeking momentum, Vanguard Growth ETF VUG is probably on the radar. The fund just hit a 52-week high and is up 51.51% from its 52-week low price of $260.65/share.
A simple buy-and-hold strategy is all you really need to make a lot of money in the stock market.