United Rentals, Inc. (URI)

Daily Spotlight: Investors Like NovemberThe U.S. stock market tends to rise, despite the market's performance over the past three months. This long-term upward trajectory has its foundation in the country's democratic political system and its market-based, capitalist economic system. In theory, the stock market efficiently allocates the nation's capital to generate solid investment returns. Theory typically turns into reality in November, which since 1980 has been the best month for equity performance, with an average 1.9% gain, ahead of April (+1.70%), December (+1.2%), July (1.4%), and January (+1.0%). November's batting average is high as well: stocks rise during the month 72% of the time. The best Novembers have been 1980 (+10.2%), 2001 (+7.5%), 1996 (+7.3%), 1985 (+6.5%), and 1998 (+5.9%). There have been some clunkers: 2000 (-8%), 2008 (-7.5%), and 1987 (-5.9%). Last year, the S&P 500 rose 5.1% for the month. November usually starts at a fast pace, as some companies are still reporting 3Q earnings and nonfarm payrolls are reported. This year, the Fed meets this week and likely will take a pause from its rate-hike campaign. If the central bank signals that this is the last hike in the series, the rally that faded in late July may come back to life.