U.S. Sectors With Rising EPS Rising EPS across almost all major U.S. sectors is a significant driver of equity market strength and investor confidence, as it signals strong corporate profitability and growth potential. Image: TS Lombard
S&P 500 Ratio to Its 200-DMA and AAII Investor Sentiment Bull Minus Bear Spread Historically, very low investor sentiment has not only signaled caution but also suggested further upside in U.S. equities, offering opportunities for contrarian investors. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
U.S. Money Market Fund Assets vs. Federal Funds Effective Rate U.S. money market funds typically experience asset inflows during rate hikes but see outflows approximately 12 months after the Fed initiates rate cuts. Image: Real Investment Advice
S&P 500 Bull Markets Over the past five decades, five bull markets have lasted more than two years, averaging eight years in length and gaining 288%. With the current bull market approaching its third year, it may still have plenty of room to grow. Image: Carson Investment Research
U.S. and Non-U.S. Share Announced Buybacks by Year JPMorgan strategists expect further strong growth in buyback volumes, noting that the first eight months of 2025 have already matched last year’s total, providing ongoing support for equity markets. Image: J.P. Morgan
Gold Adjusted for Inflation Gold has just surpassed its inflation-adjusted record high from 1980, marking an important milestone as both a hedge against inflation and a gauge of currency weakness. Image: Bloomberg
S&P 500 Use of Cash The S&P 500’s capex growth in 2025 reflects a broad-based rise, driven by AI-related tech investments and strategic shifts in production and automation, underpinned by expectations of strong returns. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
12-Month Forward ROE Ranges for Different MSCI Regions While a higher ROE indicates stronger profitability that justifies a premium, the overall valuation premium for U.S. equities is also influenced by growth forecasts, risk perceptions, market liquidity, and investor behavior. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Year/Year EPS growth – Magnificent 7 vs. S&P 493 While mega-cap tech firms are expected to continue delivering above-average earnings growth, the exceptional premium they have maintained compared to the rest of the market is likely to moderate in 2026. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Top 10 Mega Caps and Bottom 440 Stocks In the S&P 500, the top 10 stocks carry so much weight that they impact the index nearly as much as the bottom 440 together, showing how top-heavy it is. Image: Real Investment Advice
Average U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield Performance in Fed Rate Cut Cycles Fed rate cuts usually push down short-term interest rates, but long-term U.S. Treasury yields do not always move in parallel. Market expectations around inflation, future Fed decisions, and debt supply dynamics can drive them higher instead. Image: Deutsche Bank