EARN25

25 Stocks to Buy Before December

REIT Macerich has been among the best stocks in December, historically

Nov 26, 2018 at 1:41 PM
facebook X logo linkedin


It's been a rough couple of months for the stock market, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) pacing for a second straight monthly loss -- something we haven't seen since the first quarter. However, several stocks could muscle higher in December, if past is prologue. Most notably, California-based real estate investment trust (REIT) Macerich Co (NYSE:MAC) tends to outperform in the final month of the year.

Below are the 25 best S&P stocks to own in December, looking back 10 years. MAC is only one of two that boast a 100% positive rate, and its average return of 8.01% tops all equities, per data from Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White.

best december stocks

Like the rest of the broader stock market, the shares of Macerich have struggled in November. In fact, the security is pacing for a monthly loss of 5.6%, following a 6.6% decline in October, and a 5.9% drop in September. MAC's recent rebound attempts have stalled at its 30-day moving average, and the stock just touched a six-year low of $48.16 on Nov. 15. At last check, the equity was fractionally higher at $48.75. From current levels, another 8.01% gain in December would put Macerich stock around $52.65 to start 2019.

MAC stock chart nov 26

Should the shares once again break higher in December, a short squeeze could add fuel to MAC's fire. About 7% of the REIT's float is dedicated to short interest, representing about two weeks' worth of pent-up buying demand, at the stock's average pace of trading.

Meanwhile, just four of 12 analysts consider MAC worthy of a "buy" or better rating. However, that's not too surprising, considering the security's decline over the past few months. Unless the REIT makes a noteworthy move to the upside, I wouldn't expect many analysts -- or short sellers -- to abandon their bearish positions.

 

You Don’t Need 25 Alerts -- You Need ONE You Can Trust!

That’s the idea behind Trade of the Week, Schaeffer’s newest trade alert.

Every Monday morning before the opening bell, you’ll receive a single, expertly researched trade recommendation -- built from the same proprietary research we’ve been using for over four decades.

It’s not just a signal.

It’s a plan designed for traders who are tired of jumping from alert to alert without ever finding their edge.

No juggling alerts. No switching directions mid-week. Just one clear, expertly researched trade idea -- delivered before the market even opens.

👉 JOIN RIGHT NOW FOR JUST $1 TO GET THE NEXT TRADE!