(Reuters) – Revelers ringing in the new year this week need to watch out for the next day’s hangover. Investors may experience a similar feeling early in 2015 after a two-year run that has propelled U.S. stocks up by nearly 50 percent.
The S&P 500 gained more than 11 percent on the year, shaking off concerns about valuations thanks to improved economic growth and a very accommodative U.S. Federal Reserve.
Add in dividends and the advance was nearly 14 percent.
However, the S&P 500’s forward price-to-earnings multiple – based on 2015 earnings expectations – is at about 17 now, exceeding the 15-year average of about 15.
The valuation level means that a pick-up in profits growth may be essential if the market is to continue to add to its historic gains.
Yet, Wall Street analysts’ estimates for S&P 500 earnings growth for coming quarters are languishing in the mid-single digits.
With the Fed ready to begin raising interest rates for the first time in a decade and the strong dollar providing a headwind for companies with overseas operations, a lot will depend on whether the recent strong growth in domestic demand can drive corporate profits higher than those estimates.
Whether consumers and companies benefit enough from lower oil prices to more than offset the effects of the slide on the energy sector is also critical.
