Strong Start To 2013, Investors Are Back

Online, April 15, 2013 (Newswire.com) - So far in 2013, investors have dumped more than $60 billion into mutual funds and ETFs that hold U.S. stocks. That's already more than any full calendar year since 2004, and if the pace of investment keeps up, 2013 investment will exceed total investment in 2000.

After logging one of the best weeks of the year last week, investors face a smattering of corporate earnings reports and economic data to keep the momentum going in the coming week.

Last week, the Dow Jones industrial average increased 2.1%, while the S&P 500 added 2.3% and the Nasdaq climbed 2.8%. Both the Dow and the S&P 500 are hovering just below the record highs set Thursday, and are within striking distance of their next major milestones: 15,000 for the Dow, and 1,600 for the S&P.

There hasn't been any one reason behind the record-setting bonanza for stocks. Overall, Americans have been heartened by signs of an improving economy, but lately what seems to be driving investors is the fear of missing out.

While many have moved off the sidelines in an attempt to share in the upside, an even larger group is waiting for a pullback trying to time the market. This group is getting increasingly frustrated as stocks continue to rise higher.

Corolla Financial analysts believe that the economy will continue to grow throughout the year, and that those who are waiting for a pullback may be missing the boat.

In the coming week, investors will see reports on the U.S. housing market, manufacturing and corporate earnings. The outlook from these reports is expected to be largely positive with a few known exceptions.