Many investors consider the S 500 to be in rally mode, given its 15%-plus rise in 2023 thus far. It is still roughly 5% below its prior all-time high set in early 2022, though. A bear market is usually defined as the period after stocks decline by 20% or more, with a bull market being the reverse situation (showing an over 20% gain). By that measure we appear to be approaching the end of the latest bear market that began in early 2022.

And while growth stocks have generally performed well in the last few months as the fears of a tough recession have receded, there are still attractive deals available for patient investors. So let's take a look at a few excellent stocks to consider while the market is still working to set new highs. Read on for some good reasons to buy Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) right now.

Lululemon isn't facing anything like the growth hangover impacting other retailers today. Sales in the most recent quarter were up a blistering 27% to cross $2 billion, in fact, thanks to robust demand for its athleisure apparel.

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Source Fool.com