The Return of the Nifty Fifty

In the early 1970s, there was a spectacular run in a small group of stocks known as the Nifty Fifty. Here’s a list of the names.

These stocks were popular because they were seen as stable growing stocks. There was also a belief at the time that capitalism could help “bring people together” after the tumult of the 1960s.

I think the Coca-Cola ad of kids on a hilltop singing the Coke Song best captured this worldview. Other stocks like McDonalds, Disney and Eastman Kodak really tapped this idea.

What I’ve noticed recently is that a lot of these Old School Nifty Fifty guys have been doing quite well recently.

Coke (KO) just gapped up higher earnings. McDonalds (MCD) hit an all-time high today. Also, 3M (MMM), Altria (MO) and Procter & Gamble (PG) are near new 52-week highs (Philip Morris was a Nifty Fifty stock).

Is this 1972 or 2010?

Posted by on October 20th, 2010 at 2:20 pm


The information in this blog post represents my own opinions and does not contain a recommendation for any particular security or investment. I or my affiliates may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Blog, please see my Disclaimer page for my full disclaimer.