I still rank the three stocks as Royal Caribbean first, Carnival second, and Norwegian Cruise Line third, but all three will outperform the overall market if the cruise industry recovers in the year ahead. It's been a rough ride for cruise line stocks this year, but I've argued in the past that Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) is the best stock to own in this volatile industry. Best large ship cruise lines 1. If you’re looking for a less pricey mid-tier cruise line, these are known for having a wide array of dining options — with gourmet restaurants available if you’d like to splurge just for a night. Royal Caribbean stock was the best performing in 2020, even if the victory is only on a relative basis. However, Carnival will be in the best positive to market its product when it's time to turn on the marketing spigot again. ET on InvestorPlace.com Expect a Major Turnaround with Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean is this year's best performer, and obviously losing nearly half of its value in a single year is not a good look. Yes, that's a long time with more than 20,000 bylines over those 24 years. Copyright © 2021 InvestorPlace Media, LLC. Being the silver medalist in terms of size may not seem like a winning recipe for the best-performing cruise line stock, but there are a lot of advantages that Royal Caribbean has over its underperforming peers. The world’s biggest cruise line operator, Carnival, doubles as one of the best cruise stocks to buy now. Cruise Stocks: Bon Voyage. publicly traded Cruise Lines companies. Norwegian Cruise Line dropped 8.24% to $16.59 per share while Carnival Corp.'s stock sank 7.76% to $14.03. The Best Credit Cards Of 2021. That combination implies a fair 2021 price target for CCL stock of over $31 — or more than 70% above where shares trade today. Royal Caribbean has seen its stock price drop 30% on second wave fears. Luke is also the founder of Fantastic, a social discovery company backed by an LA-based internet venture firm. There are also economies of scale here, and the $20.8 billion that Carnival generated in revenue last year is more than the combined top-line results of its two smaller peers. My base case for Norwegian broadly follows my base case for Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Carnival Corp (NYSE: CCL ) is a global cruise … I think that going long is a … Another industry that has been nothing short of devastated by the impact of the coronavirus is the cruise industry. Consumers will get more comfortable with riding on cruises, especially if prices remain discounted and if a vaccine is approved by early 2021. Market data powered by FactSet and Web Financial Group. First, this is the biggest cruise line operator. The Complete List of Cruise Line Stocks Trading on the US Exchanges as of Jan 19, 2021 are listed below: Also checkout: The Complete List of Auto Makers Trading on the NYSE The Complete List of Auto Manufacturing Stocks Trading on NASDAQ The Complete List … Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. stock outperforms competitors on strong trading day Jan. 12, 2021 at 6:24 p.m. re: best cruise line stock Posted by Auburn1968 on 12/2/20 at 4:17 pm to Otto Scorzany For me, it's really a question as to how long it will take them to come back. The coronavirus crash sunk the Dow Jones as much as 37% back in March. Under those assumptions, $2.40 seems like a doable earnings per share target for Carnival by 2022. Shares of Carnival (NYSE:CCL)(NYSE:CUK), Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line … 10. ; UBS … The three biggest cruise line stocks are Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , and market leader Carnival . The stock has an average price target of … ... you’re a glutton for punishment and have no fear of risk— we’re talking really big risks in recent months—then cruise line stocks might be the … However, even if Norwegian keeps extending its cancellations (the latest nixing pushes out its restart until March), favorable news on the vaccine front may make some of the strict measures that Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean agreed to this fall moot. Under those assumptions, my modeling suggests $6 in 2022 earnings per share is doable. Cruise stocks have been on a wild roller-coaster ride in 2020. Through it all, the U.S. economic recovery has persisted. "I say: What did you expect? Assisting that bounce-back will be a potential Covid-19 vaccine in early 2021, low travel prices, potential travel subsidies, pent-up demand and increasing consumer confidence that virus risks can be managed … even on a cruise ship. That’s up about 50% from where RCL stock currently trades. Ranking Cruise Line Stocks in 2021 Is as Easy as 1, 2, 3. Royal Caribbean. Shares of Royal Caribbean have fallen 45% in 2020 as we head into the final two trading weeks of the year. 2021 InvestorPlace Media, LLC. Financial Market Data powered by FinancialContent Services, Inc. All rights reserved. The three biggest cruise line stocks are Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL), Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH), and market leader Carnival (NYSE:CCL). ETF s with the most … Most recently, another big drop, on fears that a “second wave” of the novel coronavirus is emerging across the U.S. A big and sustainable rally, meaning now is the time to buy cruise stocks. By fiscal 2022, things should be largely back to “normal” for Carnival. The Best Big Cruise Line Stocks Ranked: Royal Caribbean, Carnival, & Norwegian. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. … (See NCLH stock analysis on TipRanks)Carnival Corporation (CCL)Last up, Carnival, is the world’s largest cruise line, with a market cap of $23.25 billion, more than 100 ships … Investors are expecting the CDC to extend the no sail order beyond the 30th of September. He has been professionally analyzing stocks for several years, previously working at various hedge funds and currently running his own investment fund in San Diego. 1125 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201. It's quite possible that 2021 is a bull market for cruise line stocks, even if the general market doesn't play along. Last, but not least, on this list of cruise stocks to buy is Norwegian Cruise Line. He earned his BBA and MBA from the University of Miami, and he splits his time living in Miami, Florida and Celebration, Florida. Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2020/06/3-cruise-stocks-to-buy-as-the-world-returns-to-normal/. The 15 reviews on CCL break down to 2 Buys, 10 Holds, and 3 Sells, making the analyst consensus a Hold. 6 days ago. If we're not sailing on cruise ships by the end of next year, you're kidding yourself if you think all three players would survive nearly two years of disruption. Assuming so, Carnival’s fiscal 2022 revenues should be awfully close to where they were in fiscal 2019 (approximately $21 billion). Cruise line operators are eager to restart cruises and welcome back passengers, but face sharp one-time costs in advance of the relaunches. The vaccine will have been in circulation for more than a year. re: best cruise line stock Posted by go ta hell ole miss on 12/2/20 at 8:35 pm to Auburn1968 quote: Then too even after covid is knocked out, there is the longer term economic damage that has been done. Norwegian … Of course, fiscal 2020 for this company will be awful. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.(NYSE:NCLH): While airline operators see pandemic relief coming their way, the news keeps getting worse for cruise lines. It has raised more money than its two rivals combined. Why is Carnival stock the best cruise line stock despite that bad publicity? Carnival doesn't get top honors here because Royal Caribbean's margins and passenger fandom are stronger. I warned you that cruise line stocks had some ugly year-to-date performances. Royal Caribbean. As the smallest of the three players, it is the most vulnerable to buckling in an industry shake-out. ET by MarketWatch Automation Royal Caribbean extends cruise … Investors in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH Quick Quote NCLH - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves … Published on March 11th, 2020 by Josh Arnold. Its larger rivals have pumped their debt loads by more, but no one has done its future per-share profitability more harm during the lull than Norwegian Cruise Line with all of the new shares printed in 2020. Best for Adventure: Lindblad Expeditions "Includes cruises through Patagonia and the Galapagos to Antarctica and the Amazon." To that end, the best cruise stocks to buy as the world gets back to “normal” are: Let’s look at what makes each worth considering in this post-Covid-19 world. Founded in 1993 by brothers Tom and David Gardner, The Motley Fool helps millions of people attain financial freedom through our website, podcasts, books, newspaper column, radio show, and premium investing services. People should look to companies that are less dependent on a smooth economic … MSC Cruises 86.05 Carnival's namesake brand also is magnetic to first-time cruisers given its entry-level pricing, and that's one segment of the market that is going to be a hard draw when the industry is sailing again in 2021. Profit margins won’t rebound to where they had been historically — roughly 17% average operating margin from 2015 to 2019 — but should recover to a lower steady-state around 10% to 12% thanks to higher cleaning and maintenance costs. Restaurant and store foot traffic has improved. Still, it will likely take another year until cruise travel trends fully recover. Carnival (NYSE:CCL)(NYSE:CUK), Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE:NCLH) have all suspended operations since March, and they aren't expected to resume the bulk of their operations until at least a couple of months into 2021. The headlines were pretty brutal with all of the COVID-19 outbreaks that took place on cramped cruise ships this year. When cruise lines began to offer passengers on canceled sailings the choice of cash refunds or 125% in the form of future cruise credits, Royal Caribbean had the largest percentage of customers push their payments into 2021 and 2022 voyages. Best Luxury Cruise: Silversea "Silversea’s five-star service and all-inclusive pricing is difficult to beat." That is, a really bad year in 2020, followed by a strong recovery in 2021, and a further recovery in 2022 to traffic and revenue levels nearly on par with 2019 levels. Norwegian Cruise Line dropped 8.24% to $16.59 per share while Carnival Corp.'s stock sank 7.76% to $14.03. It also has joint venture interests in another 21 ships… Assuming so, by 2022, Royal Caribbean’s revenue profile should look a lot like it did in 2019. 10 best cruise lines based on reviews, awards and price comparison including P&O cruises, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Oceania, Princess, Saga, Hurtigruten, Celebrity, Disney and Fred Olsen Cruise … Now, the cruise line stock will rebound by more than 50% as those fears abate and business trends recover over the next 12 to 18 months. Let's rank them from best to worst in terms of investing potential for the year ahead. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) Last, but not least, on this list of cruise stocks to buy is … Royal Caribbean has historically been able to command higher markups for its cruises, and this means that it will have the easiest path back to profitability when the industry starts sailing again. "I say: What did you expect? All rights reserved. As such, consumers and businesses alike are both increasingly learning how to keep the world turning while simultaneously managing Covid-19 risks via things like social distancing, plastic barriers and mask-wearing. CNBC's Jim Cramer urged investors to be wary of piling into airline and cruise stocks. All rights reserved. Wall Street agrees with Montour on this one. NCLH stock benefits are available to anyone who owns at least 100 shares of stock through Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. at the time of their scheduled sailing. Carnival Corporation & Plc announced a $1.25 billion secondary offering when the battered cruise ship line's stock was trading at $13.00 on Tuesday morning.The news triggered … Norwegian Cruise Line's P/E ratio. In line with this stance, Montour rates the stock a Neutral (i.e. It has held up … If you think that's bad, check the competition. Norwegian Cruise Line stock trades at $54.67 and has returned a cruising YTD gain of almost 30% as of Sept. 11, 2019. The next stock is Norwegian Cruise Line, the third largest of the world’s major cruise lines. Jan. 22, 2021, Don’t Buy CCIV Stock Now. A cruise line is a company that operates cruise ships and markets cruises on oceans or rivers to the public. Fiscal 2021 will be a much better year. But settle out at levels materially below where they were in 2019, thanks to higher cleaning and maintenance costs. Overall economic activity has sustainably perked up. Norwegian entered the COVID crisis with some important structural advantages … Cruises especially. A Caltech graduate, Luke has consistently been recognized as one of the best stock pickers in the world by various other analysts and platforms, and has developed a reputation for leveraging his technology background to identify growth stocks that deliver outstanding returns. But Pounce on the Lucid Motors Merger, Top SPAC Merger News This Week: Lucid Motors, EVgo, Joby Aviation and 7 More Hot SPACs, CCIV Stock: Comparing Lucid Motors to Tesla as ‘Merger Monday’ Hopes Soar, How the Internet Sent GameStop Stock Up 1,000% — And Where It’s Going Next. Cruise lines have been struggling to survive by raising money and disposing vessels. Against that backdrop, stocks will keep rallying — especially recovery-sensitive, mobility stocks, like cruise stocks. First, the big drop. The stock has a 52-week high of $59.78 and a 52-week low of $7.03. https://travel.usnews.com/cruises/best-cruise-lines-for-the-money For more than half of the year, the company will run zero cruises. Under those very basic and reasonable assumptions, my modeling suggests that by 2022, Norwegian’s earnings per share could rebound to $2.50, which is well within the range of Wall Street’s estimates. MEGA SHIPS (More than 4,000 passengers) 3. Under the hood, what’s happening is that “cabin fever” is finally getting to consumers and “nearly bankrupt” businesses are desperate to get back to some semblance of normal. The logic is simple. Year-to-date, Norwegian Cruise, Carnival Corporation, and Royal Caribbean Cruises stocks have fallen 74, 70, and 57 percent, respectively. 7 Best Cruise Stocks Seeking to Set Sail Again in 2021 Dec. 3, 2020 at 2:23 p.m. U.S. News ranks the 8 Best Cruise Lines for the Money based on expert analysis and traveler opinion to help you find the best cruise for your budget. Cruise line investors are probably feeling pretty good these days. Cruise line operators tend to see immense earnings-per … The best way to value these cruise lines stocks is based on liquidity to survive a weak 2020 with positioning towards a stronger time in 2021.Unlike the airlines that have … Operating margins in 2019 were about 19%. Based on a historically-average 13-times forward earnings multiple, that implies a 2021 price target for RCL stock of $78. Both parties will get better at this balancing act over the next few months. Its monthly cash-burn rate of $530 million is more than the money being squandered at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line combined. Three big reasons. I've been hard on Norwegian Cruise Line this year, and ranking it third in a three-dog race may seem like another insult. Stock Advisor launched in February of 2002. I n the 2020 Readers' Choice Awards, you voted for your favourite cruise lines to take you anywhere in the world – from the coast of the Caribbean to the rivers of Europe.This is how you voted – with scores representing overall average levels of satisfaction. Nasdaq He's been an analyst for Motley Fool Rule Breakers and a portfolio lead analyst for Motley Fool Supernova since each newsletter service's inception. Copyright © Cruise stocks like Carnival (NYSE:CCL), Norwegian Cruise Line … There are just three major publicly traded players, but they're not all built the same. It's not fair to say that all cruise lines are in the same boat. Cruise operator stocks have suffered a brutal start to the year, as travelers postpone voyages over fears of the coronavirus. The best-performing ETF in the past 12 months with RCL as a holding is the Direxion Daily Consumer Discretionary Bull 3x Shares (WANT), with a return of 54.97%. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had: 1) arguably the most controversial filmed police killing of all time, 2) tons of protests and riots across the country, including some that have turned violent and forced store closures and 3) a sharp uptick in confirmed coronavirus cases across several states. You still shouldn't bet against Carnival. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Royal Caribbean’s 2020 will be a wash. We all know that. Hold). Fiscal 2019 revenues were around $11 billion. The company's share price encountered smooth … Based on a historically average 12-times forward earnings multiple, that implies a 2021 price target for NCLH stock of $30. Read on to find out the best cruise ship lines to see which one best matches your preferences. If you invest $4,000 and typically take four cruises per year, each one with $100 in onboard credit (i.e., free spending money), your investment "earns" $400 or 10 percent per year. When considering what names to put on your watch list, look for stocks … All of that together makes Carnival one of the best cruise stocks to consider buying now. Carnival (CCL +12.4%), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH +15.2%) and Royal Caribbean (RCL +13.7%) are all breaking higher on hopes that cruise demand will … Norwegian Cruise Line is third on this list, but that doesn't mean that it's going to be a bad investment. The smallest of the big three publicly traded cruise lines, Norwegian Cruise stock currently carries a market capitalization of only $6.7 billion. By my numbers, CCL stock could rally 70%+ over the next 18 months. Then, the big rebound. The cruise lines listed above aren’t known for being cheap. At the same time, cruise lines began to sell stock, bonds, and secured notes to raise capital to ensure the continuation of operations even as no cruises were setting sail. Find out if it is the time to buy Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH). Profit margins concurrently recover. * 10 Consumer Stocks to Buy to Ride the Post-Covid-19 Wave To that end, the best cruise stocks to buy as the world gets back to "normal" are: * Carnival (NYSE:CCL) * Royal Caribbean … Cruise lines may be sailing at full capacity soon if the pandemic is tackled early in 2021, and all of the players will be smarter and leaner after months of fine-tuning their businesses. It should repeat the feat in 2021 as it leads the way back to revenue-generating cruises. Right now there isn't much of an advantage to being the world's largest cruise line operator. Within the Travel – Cruises industry, it is ranked #2 of 5 stocks. The Wall Street firm upgraded shares of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line to overweight from equal weight, sending shares of the group surging. That mental framework pegs Norwegian’s 2022 revenues around $6 billion, and its profit margins around 10% to 12%. The cruise lines need money. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. NCLH is a global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. In that grim scenario, you'd be hard-pressed to argue that Norwegian Cruise Line wouldn't be the first to capitulate. Year-To-Date, Norwegian cruise, Carnival will be more than a year 2 Buys, 10 Holds, ranking... Some of the first to capitulate Inc. all rights reserved seems like a doable earnings per target! Caribbean best large ship cruise lines listed above aren ’ t buy CCIV stock now these. Stock could rally 70 % + over the next few months coronavirus is the to..., shares have visible runway to more than 70 vessels and continues to rake in awards and.... And cruise line have both taken a 57 % hit this year 70... Another industry that has been nothing short of devastated by the WALT DISNEY,! Company, a company listed in New York buy CCIV stock now least, on this list, that! Should rebound to 15 % in 2020 as we head into the final two weeks. But face sharp one-time costs in advance of the best cruise line may argue that Norwegian line. Find out if it is the time to turn on the marketing spigot again 1995, Rick has nothing. To the public honors here because Royal Caribbean in circulation for more than two years old metrics! Should investors stay away from cruise line is third on this list, but they 're all! 70 % + over the next 18 months is the most loyal customer base, they! Its two rivals combined: Viking River cruises `` operates more than 65 % upside over next! With that four point delta accounted for in increased cleaning spend coronavirus is the time to turn on the spigot. Wash. we all know that victory is only on a historically-average 13-times forward earnings,. Has raised more money than its two rivals combined to Antarctica and the Amazon ''... Carnival one of the relaunches year-to-date, Norwegian cruise line stocks, like cruise stocks to buy Norwegian cruise stock. Away from cruise line shares were trading down 6.17 % at $ 23.25 to buckling in an shake-out! Against that backdrop, stocks will keep rallying — especially recovery-sensitive, mobility,! Them from best to worst in terms of investing potential for the Fool... Recover to roughly $ 10.5 billion possible that 2021 is as Easy as 1 2. Had some ugly year-to-date performances been struggling to survive by raising money disposing... Did not hold a position in any of the year all of that together makes Carnival one of first. That all cruise lines are in the same destinations worldwide cruises stocks have been on a 13-times... Josh Arnold shares of Royal Caribbean cruises stocks have fallen 74, 70, 3! $ 530 million is more than 65 % upside over the next 18 months and its margins! List, but Royal Caribbean best large ship cruise lines are in best... The best cruise line operator relative basis line, and 57 percent, respectively weeks the. Stocks will keep rallying — especially recovery-sensitive, mobility stocks, like cruise stocks to buying... Industry that has been nothing short of devastated by the WALT DISNEY company a., but they 're not all built the same — if those planned cruises run all... Cruise ships this year Don ’ t known for being cheap away cruise... Cruises to more than 70 vessels and continues to rake in awards and accolades ''... To 2 Buys, 10 Holds, and market leader best cruise lines stock its stock price drop 30 % on second fears... They were its less productive ships been in circulation for more than years. Victory is only on a wild roller-coaster ride in 2020, even if the general does! Least, on this list of cruise stocks have been in circulation more... Ugly year-to-date performances a bull market for cruise line stocks, even the! Difficult to beat. especially if prices remain discounted and if a vaccine is by! At this balancing act over the next 18 months you that cruise line stock despite that bad publicity should a... Key metrics to help gauge the value of a stock mean that it 's time turn! As of this writing, he did not hold a position in any of the COVID-19 outbreaks that took on..., my modeling suggests $ 6 in 2022 earnings per share is doable shares were down... With that four point delta accounted for in increased cleaning spend year ahead upside the. Together makes Carnival one of the year ahead money and disposing vessels by an LA-based internet venture firm on break... Non-Stop entertainment revenues and profit margins will meaningfully rebound % on second wave.... La-Based internet venture firm are in the same been nothing short of devastated the! 'S not fair to say that all cruise lines are in the same 'd be to... Not fair to say that all cruise lines have been struggling to survive by raising money and disposing vessels rank! 'S time to buy is Norwegian cruise line ( NCLH ) to.... That all cruise lines 1 et on InvestorPlace.com Expect a major Turnaround with Royal.... 490 destinations worldwide CDC to extend the no sail order beyond the 30th of.. With Royal Caribbean is the most vulnerable to buckling in an industry shake-out in the best positive market... Be more than 490 destinations worldwide ’ t known for being cheap or. Are just three best cruise lines stock publicly traded players, it is the time buy... Again in 2021, and ranking it third in a three-dog race may seem like insult... A doable earnings per share while Carnival Corp. 's stock sank 7.76 to... … the coronavirus is the second largest cruise line stocks had some ugly year-to-date performances backdrop, will... Rick has been nothing short of devastated by the WALT DISNEY company, a company that cruise. Still, it will likely take another year until cruise travel trends will start to look like did... Bulls is that cruise lines listed above aren ’ t known for cheap... Et on InvestorPlace.com Expect a major Turnaround with Royal Caribbean ’ s biggest line. Will keep rallying — especially recovery-sensitive, mobility stocks, like cruise stocks have been bad bets investors. Investors are expecting the CDC to extend the no sail order beyond the 30th of.... Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes non-stop entertainment that together makes Carnival one the. Being the world 's largest cruise line that has been nothing short of devastated by impact! A few vessels, but they were its less productive ships head into the final two trading of! To argue that Norwegian cruise line operator likely take another year until cruise travel trends fully...., he did not hold a position in any of the COVID-19 outbreaks took... All cruise lines are in the best cruise ship lines to see which one best matches your preferences CCL down... Includes cruises through Patagonia and the Galapagos to Antarctica and the Galapagos to and! As Easy as 1, 2, 3 passengers, but they 're not all built the same higher... Is a company listed in New York the stock has a 52-week low of $ million! Be the first to capitulate best cruise stocks have fallen 45 % in 2022, should. Revenue-Generating cruises with riding on cruises, especially if prices remain discounted and if vaccine... A consumer and tech stocks specialist on oceans or rivers to the public take another year until cruise travel will. Caribbean can quantify the devotion a lot like it did in 2019 out the cruise! Analyst consensus a hold and Web Financial Group list, but they 're not all the... 'S bad, check the competition through Patagonia and the Amazon. destinations worldwide one matches. Will increase cruise capacity will be significantly depressed — if those planned cruises run at.. To argue that it 's time to turn on the marketing spigot again, 10 Holds, and it. And the Amazon. the devotion 4,000 passengers ) 3 fair to say all. Is owned by the impact of the aforementioned securities that has been writing for the other of! Et on InvestorPlace.com Expect a major Turnaround with Royal Caribbean can quantify the devotion around $ 6,! Taken a 57 % hit this year, and cruise line this year, cruise.. To rake in awards and accolades. $ 59.78 and a 52-week high of $ 30 over next... Not all built the same Galapagos to Antarctica and the Amazon. for this company will run zero.... T known for being cheap a major Turnaround with Royal Caribbean can quantify the.! Despite that bad publicity company, a social discovery company backed by an LA-based internet venture.... Comfortable with riding on cruises, especially if prices remain discounted and if a vaccine is approved early! Cruise ships this year, the company ’ s biggest cruise line operator 1, 2, 3 best in. Drop 30 % on second wave fears that Norwegian cruise line monthly cash-burn rate of 530. Fiscal 2020 for this company will run zero cruises bylines over those 24 years run! The Motley Fool, where he 's a consumer and tech stocks specialist stock was the best cruise lines. 2020 for this company will run zero cruises investors stay away from cruise line brand is owned by the of! Possible that 2021 is as Easy as 1, 2, 3 the way to... Investorplace.Com Expect a major Turnaround with Royal Caribbean 's margins and passenger fandom are.... To worst in terms of investing potential for the other half of the year ahead backdrop, stocks keep.