Some stocks are cyclical, and have big moves within a short period of time. But when the cycle turns, a big winner can become a big market loser.
Other companies tend to perform well steadily. While they may not be the market leader, over time, slow-and-steady stocks can compound into big winners. Investors looking for investment opportunities now will want to hold a mix of both to best profit from market trends.
One slow and steady investment is insurance companies. These companies tend to be steadier than banks, which can take a big dive in a crisis.
One insurance company trending higher is Chubb (CB). Despite the slow and steady returns on a daily basis, shares are up nearly 40% over the past year.
It helps that Chubb has done well pricing in market risk for insurance premiums. And despite the runup, shares trade at 12 times earnings.
Action to take: Long-term investors may want to buy shares here, and use any pullback to add to the position. Chubb is a dividend-growth stock, with a current yield of 1.4%.
For traders, the slow uptrend in shares is likely to continue. The August $270 calls, last trading for about $6.80, could see mid-double-digit returns in the coming weeks.
Disclosure: The author of this article has no position in the company mentioned here, but may trade after the next 72 hours. The author receives no compensation from any company mentioned in this article.