Author: isabelnet

S&P 500 Earnings vs. CPI and PPI While inflation can influence S&P 500 earnings, it is commonly seen as a lagging indicator rather than a leading one. Image: BofA US Equity & Quant Strategy

S&P 500 and 3-Month VIX Relative to VIX (VIX3M/VIX) The 3-month VIX relative to the VIX closing at an oversold level below 1 is a potentially significant indicator of market sentiment. This can be interpreted as a sign of capitulation and possibly a contrarian bullish signal. Image: BofA Global Research

Seasonality of Market Performance – MSCI USA August and September have historically been less favorable months for U.S. equities, with lower average performance compared to other months. Image: BofA Global Quantitative Strategy

Average Monthly Volatility for U.S. Election Years Since 1928 The historical pattern of the VIX rising before U.S. elections and then rapidly plunging afterward is attributed to increased uncertainty and investor fear leading up to the elections. Image: BofA US Equity & Quant Strategy

ISM Manufacturing PMI and U.S. Recessions A drop in the U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI below 45 signals significantly heightened recession risks, indicating a severe contraction in the manufacturing sector. Image: BofA Global Research

VIX Average Trend in U.S. Election Years Historical patterns suggest that the VIX tends to bottom out in mid to late August, followed by a trend of increasing volatility as the U.S. Election Day approaches, driven by heightened market uncertainty. Image: BofA Global Research

U.S. Household Liquid Assets The amount of cash held by households in the United States has surged to an unprecedented level of $18 trillion, representing a significant increase from previous years. Image: BofA Research Investment Committee

Flows into Global Equity Funds Flows into global equity funds have accelerated in recent weeks, reflecting a growing appetite for riskier investments. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research

How U.S. Stocks Historically Do When the Incumbent President Doesn’t Run for Re-Election The tendency for U.S. stocks to perform well in years when the incumbent president chooses not to run for re-election can be attributed to decreased uncertainty surrounding future governance. Image: Carson Investment Research

Seasonality – Average Annualized S&P 500 Price Return by Month BofA’s strategists are cautioning investors about the potential for significant market corrections in the near term, driven by weak seasonal patterns and the uncertainties surrounding the U.S. election. Image: BofA US Equity & Quant Strategy

Gold vs. Japanese Yen Over the past two weeks, gold prices have declined by approximately 8% relative to the Japanese Yen. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy