Zacks Investment Research | Apr 09, 2019 12:13AM ET
The S&P 500 has performed well so far this year after a disappointing 2018. The benchmark index has gained 14.9% year to date having lost 6.2% in 2018. The easing of tensions between the United States and China on optimism regarding US-China trade negotiations, decline in weekly jobless claims to a 50-year low and strong manufacturing data likely drove the index on the growth path.
The U.S. labor market continues to gain momentum, signaling a stable economy. However, at its Mar 20, 2019 FOMC meeting, the Fed announced that short-term interest rates will remain unchanged this year, implying that GDP growth might slow down to 2.1%. Nonetheless, factors like low unemployment rate (estimated at 3.7% in 2019) and core inflation rate (expected at 2% through 2021) contribute to a bullish economic outlook.
However, per our Growth Score of A or B. This style score analyzes the growth prospects of a company.
First American Financial Corporation (NYSE:FAF) provides financial services. The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has a Growth Score of A. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 has moved up 1.1% in the past 30 days. The stock has gained 19.7% year to date.
Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses in the United States. The Zacks Rank #3 stock has a Growth Score of B. The consensus estimate for 2019 has moved up 0.7% in the past 30 days. The stock has gained 23.7% year to date.
Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:WLTW) operates as an advisory, broking, and solutions company worldwide. The Zacks Rank #3 stock has a Growth Score of A. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 has moved up 0.6% in the past 30 days. The stock has gained 17.5% year to date.
Prudential (LON:PRU) plc (NYSE:PUK) provides a range of retail financial products and services, and asset management services in Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Africa. The Zacks Rank #3 stock has a Growth Score of A. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 has moved up 1.5% in the past 30 days. The stock has gained 22.8% year to date.
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