5 Relative Price Strength Stocks to Navigate Today's Market

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market experienced significant volatility in Q1 2025, with the S&P 500 recording its largest quarterly loss in nearly three years, declining by 4.6% and ending a five-quarter winning streak [1] - Investor sentiment was negatively impacted by President Trump's aggressive tariff policies, raising concerns about a potential global trade war and economic growth [1] - Inflation concerns and fluctuations in consumer sentiment contributed to increased market volatility, leading analysts to raise recession odds and adjust projections [1] Investment Opportunities - Despite market challenges, there are opportunities for investors, particularly in stocks that demonstrate relative price strength, which can provide stability during turbulent times [2] - Companies with strong fundamentals that outperform broader market downturns are highlighted as potential candidates for investment [2] Recommended Stocks - IHS Holding Limited (IHS): Market cap of $1.8 billion, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate indicating 114.7% earnings growth for 2025 and a VGM Score of A. Shares have increased by 50.7% over the past year [10][11] - ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANIP): Market cap of $1.2 billion, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate indicating 22.1% earnings growth for 2025. The company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of approximately 17.3% and shares have declined by 1.4% in the past year [11][12] - Pediatrix Medical Group (MD): Market cap of $1.2 billion, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate indicating 5.4% earnings growth for 2025 and a VGM Score of A. Shares have risen by 47.4% in the past year [13][14] - Fresenius Medical Care AG (FMS): Market cap not specified, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate indicating 25.9% earnings growth for 2025 and a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of approximately 15.7%. Shares have increased by 29.1% in the past year [15][16] - LendingTree (TREE): Market cap of $688.6 million, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate indicating 22.9% earnings growth for 2025 and a VGM Score of A. Shares have risen by 19.7% in the past year [16][17] Screening Parameters - Stocks selected based on relative price strength must show positive relative price changes over 12 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week, as well as positive current-quarter estimate revisions over the last four weeks [8] - Only Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks that have historically outperformed the S&P 500 are considered, with a minimum price of $5 and an average 20-day volume of at least 50,000 to ensure liquidity [9]