JP Morgan's equity strategist Tom Lee is still bullish on the stock market. His 2012 year-end target is 1,350.
However, with the S&P 500 up 20% since October, history suggest that stocks could stall for months before rising again. In a note to clients (via WSJ MarketBeat).
There have been 63 prior instances of a 20% gain in 4 months. Over the next 3 months, markets were flattish with average gain of 1.2% (4.8% annualized) and decline of 5% or more 17% of time…thus, a likely “pause.”
Fortunately for the bulls, the lull doesn't last very long. From Lee's note:
The 6-mo/12-mo returns were considerably better with 6.3%/8.5% further gains and a win ratio of 68%/70%, respectively—thus, resumption of trend.
SEE ALSO: Wall Street's Sharpest Minds Predict Where Stocks Are Headed In 2012 >
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