53% of Americans View Investing Negatively Despite Market Highs, JPMorgan AM Highlights 40% Value Stock Gain
JPM•U.S. Economic Confidence Index plunged to -38 in April—the lowest since late 2023—with 53% of Americans deeming stock investing a bad idea. Paul Quinsee of JPMorgan Asset Management reports international value stocks returned 40% over 12 months and 25% compounded over three years, trading at about 11 times earnings.
1. Consumer Sentiment Plunge
A national economic confidence survey showed the index fell to -38 in April, marking its lowest reading since late 2023, with 53% of respondents labeling stock market investing a bad idea.
2. Market Indices Near Records
Despite widespread pessimism, major benchmarks reached new peaks on May 14, with the Dow at 49,693.20, the S&P 500 at 7,444.25 and the Nasdaq at 26,402.34, highlighting a stark gap between investor mood and market levels.
3. JPMorgan AM Champions International Value Stocks
Paul Quinsee, global head of equities at JPMorgan Asset Management, noted that international value stocks have delivered a 40% return over the past year and a 25% annualized return over three years while trading at roughly 11 times earnings and holding only 3–4% in technology.
