S&P 500 1-Year Volatility vs. EPS Revisions This chart from SG shows a good correlation between earning revisions and the S&P 500 1-year volatility. You may also like “S&P 500 1-Month Volatility History Since 1928 and VIX Since 1990.” Image: Societe Generale Cross Asset Research
Warning Signs of the Next Financial Crisis Some vulnerabilities in the global economy pose a risk for investors and could amplify the next financial crisis. Image: International Monetary Fund
Value of U.S. Corporate Bonds by Rating Since the Great Recession, the U.S. corporate bond debt rated ‘BBB’ exceeds $3 trillion. If the U.S. economy goes wrong, this is bad news for investors. Image: The Wall Street Journal
Global Yield Curves Global flattening yield curves sound the alarm about the economic outlook. Image: Capital Economics
S&P 500 Cash Return Yield by Sector and Region Currently, the S&P 500 cash return yield (buybacks + dividends) is 5.2%, the highest since 2011. That’s much more than Europe, Japan and emerging markets. Image: Fundstrat Global Advisors, LLC
Increased Tariffs Between the U.S. and China: Is It Bad or Good for the U.S.? The survey shows the huge gap between Republicans and Democrats. Image: The New York Times Company
Foreign Holders of U.S. Debt Currently, China and Japan hold the most U.S. debt. Image: howmuch.net
S&P 500 Low Volatility Stocks Are the Best Performing Asset YTD This chart shows that S&P 500 low volatility stocks are the best performing asset year-to-date (outside of GSCI energy). Actually, high-quality stocks are a good way to protect against a weak economy. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
History of the Real Federal Minimum Wage Today, the real federal minimum wage is worth 31% less than in 1968. It is also the longest period without an increase (adjusted for inflation). You may also like “Wage Growth vs. U.S. Home Price Growth.” Image: Economic Policy Institute
U.S. Monthly Average 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Keep in mind that mortgage costs are influenced by the 10-year Treasury yield. 30-year mortgage rates = 1.739 x (10-year treasury yield)² + 0.7755 x (10-year treasury yield) + 0.0227(R² = 0.9787) You may also like “30-Year Mortgage Rates vs. 10-Year Treasury Yield.” Image: Leonard Kiefer
Labor Costs Lead Core Inflation by 6 Months Historically, U.S. labor costs have been a good leading indicator of core inflation, because when labor costs rise, companies tend to increase their prices. Image: Legg Mason