What is 52-Week High?
The highest price at which a stock has traded in the past year.
Formal Definition
The 52-week high is the peak trading price over the trailing year and a closely watched technical reference level. Stocks breaking to new 52-week highs often exhibit continued momentum, while stocks far below their high can signal either a value opportunity or deteriorating fundamentals. The 52-week low is the corresponding trailing-year minimum.
In Simple Terms
It is the most expensive a stock has been over the last year. Traders watch it because breaking past it can mean buyers are excited, while sitting far below it can mean the stock has fallen out of favor.
Example
A stock trading at $80 with a 52-week high of $100 is 20% off its peak.