U.S. Households’ Allocation to Equity, Bond and Cash Americans’ love for stocks has driven household equity allocations to historic highs, increasing wealth but also sparking concerns about market stability and the risks of shifting investor sentiment. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Cash Spending In 2025, S&P 500 share buybacks are forecast to remain elevated, supported by solid earnings and strong balance sheets, with total repurchases anticipated to exceed $1 trillion. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Impact of Policy Uncertainty on S&P 500 Cash Use S&P 500 buybacks may face significant impacts from policy uncertainty. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. Stock Market – Margin Debt and Free Cash Balances The record surge in margin debt reflects heightened risk-taking among investors. If retail enthusiasm persists, this trend may continue, but elevated margin debt levels could amplify market volatility. Image: Real Investment Advice
AAII – U.S. Retail Investors Allocation to Stocks, Bonds and Cash High equity allocations and low cash positions don’t always mean a market reversal is near. However, they suggest that much of the market’s potential gains may already be priced in, as investors have heavily committed to equities. Image: Real Investment Advice
Buybacks and S&P 500 Use of Cash S&P 500 companies are showing stronger growth in capital expenditure compared to share buybacks, signaling a shift in corporate spending priorities. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Cash Allocation by Non-Bank Investors Globally While cash was once considered king, non-bank investors globally have significantly reduced their cash allocations, reaching levels not seen since at least 1999. Image: J.P. Morgan
FMS Investors – Average Percentile Rank of Growth Expectations, Cash Allocation, Equity Allocation The decline in pessimism among FMS investors is viewed as a positive indicator, suggesting a growing willingness to embrace risk. Image: BofA Global Fund Manager Survey
FMS Average Cash Balance The FMS cash level’s recent decline to 3.9% has generated a contrarian sell signal for global equities. Historically, these signals often precede market corrections, prompting investors to reassess their strategies. Image: BofA Global Fund Manager Survey
GWIM Cash Allocation as % Asset Under Management BofA’s private clients have reduced their cash allocation, remaining below the long-term average, while increasing their equity exposure. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
Buybacks – S&P 500 Cash as % of Total Asset As S&P 500 companies’ cash reserves decline, Bank of America expects buybacks to peak soon. Image: BofA US Equity & Quant Strategy