The start of 2024 is a tough act for the stock market to follow. The S&P 500 index notched 22 record highs in 2024 — all before the end of the first quarter. At the market’s peak on March 28, the S&P 500 was up 10% for the year and up 28% from the start of a powerful thrust that started last October.
It’s little wonder that the market hit a springtime speed bump, pulling back 5.5% in April before bouncing mostly back. Now, investors have to ask first whether the pullback has run its course before they consider whether the second half will deliver further gains.
