6 Stock Market Sector Metrics Investors Should Consider Before Buying S&P 500 Stocks at All-Time Highs

分组1 - The S&P 500 index has increased by 13% year to date (YTD) in 2025, following gains of 24.2% in 2023 and 23.3% in 2024 [1] - The technology sector, comprising 34% of the S&P 500, has significantly outperformed the index, driven by major companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, and Oracle [5] - The communications sector is heavily influenced by Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Netflix, which have seen YTD increases ranging from 27% to 36% [6] 分组2 - The industrials sector is performing well, supported by machinery and equipment manufacturers like Caterpillar and GE, as well as aerospace and defense companies benefiting from increased infrastructure spending and government defense spending [7] - The consumer discretionary sector is currently in a downturn, contrasting with the performance of business-to-business sectors, indicating a divergence in economic conditions [8] - Defensive sectors such as consumer staples and healthcare are underperforming, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment towards riskier assets [8]