Buybacks – Share of S&P 1500 Companies Paying a Dividend or Repurchasing Stock Over the years, the share of S&P 1500 companies engaging in share repurchases has surged. In 1995, only 3% participated, while in 2023, it reached 70%, greatly enhancing shareholder returns. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Share of S&P 1500 Companies by Returning Cash to Shareholders Strategy Most S&P 1500 companies are returning cash to shareholders through both dividends and buybacks, which can significantly boost shareholder returns. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) BofA predicts that the U.S. dollar has the potential to rally to $105.50/$106 in Q1 2024. A stronger U.S. dollar often poses challenges for U.S. stocks. Image: BofA Global Research
S&P 500 Earnings Yield – UST 3-Month Yield Historically, when the cash yield exceeds the earnings yield, this is often seen as a headwind for equities, as investors tend to prefer allocating their funds to cash investments rather than stocks. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
IG + HY Bond Fund Flows Despite the potential risks associated with investing in IG and HY bond funds, continued strong inflows to these funds indicate a positive sentiment among investors. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
GWIM Flows to Debt The significant rate at which BofA’s private clients are selling debt may reflect a change in investment strategy. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
S&P 500 Performance After >19% Gains in Three Months According to historical data, when the S&P 500 posts a gain of more than 19% in three months, it suggests a bullish outlook over the next 12 months, with a median return of 16.1% since 1950. Image: Carson Investment Research
Performance – Growth vs. Value During times of scarce growth, growth stocks tend to outperform value stocks, while during periods of plentiful growth, value stocks tend to outperform growth stocks. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Liquidity Policies and Central Bank Balance Sheets Central banks have barely decreased the amount of QE stock, suggesting a deliberate and measured strategy in scaling back economic support. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
Stocks – Short Interest in Magnificent 7 as a % of Market Capitalization Short interest in the Magnificent 7 stocks is rising, as their high valuations have raised concerns among investors. Image: BofA US Equity & Quant Strategy