Trailing S&P 500 Index P/E and subsequent 1- and 5-year forward returns

Sources: Bloomberg and Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Monthly data from January 1, 1954 to December 31, 2023. The S&P 500 Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Index returns do not represent investment performance or the results of actual trading. Index returns represent general market results and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes applicable to an actual investment. An index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in stocks involves risk and their returns and risk levels can vary depending on prevailing market and economic conditions. All investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2023 stock rally was nearly entirely driven by multiple expansion as earnings have plateaued.
  • Although S&P 500 Index P/E multiples are nowhere near the extremes observed at the 2021 peak, at 20x – 25x, they now sit on the full side of fair valuation.