U.S. Presidential Elections and the Stock Market The first two years of presidential terms tend to produce below-average returns, while the next 2 years tend to produce above-average returns. Image: Fidelity Investments

U.S. Research & Development Leads Productivity Growth U.S. Research & Development tends to lead productivity growth by 11 quarters. Image: Pictet Asset Management

Global FX Volatility In the current environment of low inflation and low interest rates, volatility in foreign exchange markets hits record low. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy

AAII Bullish Sentiment 2009-2020 Optimism among individual investors is now the highest since October 2018. Image: Bespoke Investment Group

Conference Board U.S. Leading Index vs. U.S. GDP This chart shows the good correlation between the Conference Board U.S. Leading Index Year-over-Year (white line) and U.S. GDP (blue line). The LEI is a good recession…

Equity Flows vs. Equity Return Goldman Sachs is mildly bullish, suggesting that the demand for equity from funds could increase this year and support the stock market. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research

Valuation Expansion: Year-Over-Year Change in S&P 500 Forward P/E This chart suggests that investors shouldn’t expect valuation expansion this year. Image: BofA US Equity & Quant Strategy

Emerging Markets Monetary Policy vs. Economic Cycle (Leading Indicator) Chart suggesting that EM monetary policy easing is likely to increase economic activity in the coming months. Image: Topdown Charts

Consumer, Housing & Retail, Imports-Exports and Industrial Chart suggesting that consumer strength should pull the industrial economy upwards. Image: Arbor Research & Trading LLC

Asset Growth in Global ETF Fixed-Income The incredible rise of fixed-income exchange-traded funds puts pressure on banks. Image: Financial Times

12-Month Earnings Yield Less Fed Funds Rate The 12-month earnings yield less Fed funds rate is just back to its historical average. Image: KKR Global Macro