S&P 500 Return in First Five Days vs. the Full Year Since 1950, when the stock market finished the first five days higher, the S&P 500 has been positive 82% of the time at year-end,…

S&P 500 Return vs. Economic Data and Central Bank Balance Sheets Charts suggesting that economic data drives S&P 500 returns, not central bank balance sheets. Image: Arbor Research & Trading LLC

Market Response to U.S. Missile Strikes In the past 30 years, the impact of U.S. missile strikes has been quite small on the market. Image: Charles Schwab

Economic Policy Uncertainty During U.S. Presidential Election Years Chart suggesting that historically, economic policy uncertainty is higher in U.S. presidential election years, particularly uncertainty related to tax policy. Image: Deutsche Bank

S&P 500 Total Return and Maximum Pullback In 2019, the S&P 500’s pullback (from peak to trough) of 6.8% was one of the smallest pullbacks in recent history. Image: Ryan Detrick, LPL Financial LLC

S&P 500 Net Debt vs. Share Buybacks U.S. companies are ramping up share buybacks. Funding is coming in part from a rise in debt. Image: Societe Generale Cross Asset Research

S&P 500 Volatility by Decade Volatility ended this decade at a lower level than the previous decade. Image: Reuters

Inequality – Monthly Income After Tax Minus Average Monthly Expenditures Greatest economy ever? Despite increasing wage growth and a low unemployment rate, half of the U.S. population spends more than their income. Image: Deutsche Bank…

S&P 500 Returns by Decade The S&P 500 closes the decade with nearly 190% gain. Image: Financial Times

S&P 500 Median Absolute Percentage Change by Day of the Year Chart showing that January 2 is the most volatile day of the year since 1930, with a median absolute change of 0.79%. Image: Bianco…

U.S. Real GDP Growth During Expansions The current business cycle is the longest, but it’s far from being the best. Image: Bloomberg