2013 Estimates For S&P500 Earnings & Price Levels

In the December 15 edition of Barron’s, the cover story is titled “Outlook 2013.”

Included in the story, 10 stock-market strategists give various forecasts for 2013 including S&P500 profits, S&P500 year-end price targets, GDP growth, and 10-Year Treasury Note Yields.

A couple of excerpts:

The 10 strategists recently surveyed by Barron’s see more gains ahead next year. Their mean S&P prediction for 2013 — 1562 — implies a 10% price gain from current levels.

also:

Ironically, a stronger conviction about stocks comes despite the strategists’ predictions of ho-hum growth next year in corporate earnings. Their mean forecast for S&P 500 profits is $108 a share, up 5% from this year’s estimated $102.

The article also mentions that a separate group of industry analysts  has a 2013 earnings forecast of $113.  This “bottom up” figure of $113 seems to be a widely-held consensus level.

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I post various economic forecasts because I believe they should be carefully monitored.  However, as those familiar with this blog are aware, I do not agree with many of the consensus estimates and much of the commentary in these forecast surveys.

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The Special Note summarizes my overall thoughts about our economic situation

SPX at 1431.91 as this post is written