Group 1 - Gold prices have increased by over 50% since the Federal Reserve indicated potential monetary easing in December 2023 [1] - The rise in gold prices has been supported by multiple growth catalysts since the Fed's announcement [1] Group 2 - The analyst has over 10 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and tax areas, focusing on global macro strategy and value investing [2] - The preferred sectors for analysis include energy, real estate, and utilities, with an emphasis on companies that have competitive advantages and strong management [2] - Key investment criteria include good cash flow, solid asset base, sustainable debt levels, growing income, and healthy margins [2]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is experiencing a strong bull run, driven by economic resilience and increased CEO confidence, which reached an index of 60 in Q1 2025, indicating "confident optimism" [1] - The economy expanded by 2.8% in Q4 2024, supported by a robust labor market, while a 1% rate cut by the Federal Reserve has lowered borrowing costs, promoting business expansions and consumer spending [1] - Inflation is trending towards the Fed's 2% target, leading to optimism about further monetary easing in 2025 [1] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to focus on relative price strength, identifying stocks that outperform their peers as market trends strengthen [2] - High-performing stocks with strong relative price momentum are seen as advantageous in navigating the ongoing bull market [2] Recommended Stocks - **Pitney Bowes (PBI)**: Expected earnings growth of 47.6% for 2025, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of approximately 96.6% and a share price increase of 177.4% over the past year [10][11] - **The Hanover Insurance Group (THG)**: Projected earnings growth of 7.7% for 2025, with a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of about 21.7% and a share price increase of 20.2% over the past year [12][13] - **EnerSys (ENS)**: Anticipated EPS growth rate of 19.8% for fiscal 2025, with a 12.8% share price increase over the past year [14][15] - **First Financial Corporation (THFF)**: Expected earnings growth of 39% for 2025, with a share price increase of 38.6% over the past year [16][17] Screening Parameters - Stocks are screened based on relative price changes over 12 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week, as well as positive current-quarter estimate revisions [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 adequate trading volume [9][10]