U.S. Output Gap vs. U.S. Consumer Confidence

U.S. Output Gap vs. U.S. Consumer Confidence Great chart showing the strong correlation between U.S. consumer confidence and the U.S. Output Gap. U.S. consumer confidence always peaks before a recession. Image: Pictet Asset Management

Semiconductor Sales vs. Global Trade (volume)

Semiconductor Sales vs. Global Trade (volume) Interesting chart showing the correlation of 0.78 between semiconductor sales and global trade (volume). Image: Paolo Cardena

Home Builder Sentiment Leads Consumer Spending

Home Builder Sentiment Leads Consumer Spending Interesting chart suggesting that the NAHB housing market index leads the change in consumer spending. The latest reading for July suggests that the outlook for the U.S. economy is…

Global Central Banks Back In Easing Mode

Global Central Banks Back In Easing Mode Some of the major central banks are hitting the pause button and are back in easing mode. Image: LPL Research

S&P 500 Valuations Above Historical Average

S&P 500 Valuation Above Historical Average The S&P 500 is overvalued on 17 of 20 valuation metrics. You may also like our “Stock Market Valuation.” Image: Bank of America

Cass Freight Shipments Index vs. U.S. GDP

Cass Freight Shipments Index vs. U.S. GDP The Cass Freight Shipments Index is a relative good predictive indicator of the U.S. economy. It suggests a weakness in U.S. GDP in Q2 2019. The Cass Freight Index…

S&P 500 Gains Outside Regular Trading Hours

S&P 500 Gains Outside Regular Trading Hours The S&P 500 loves the night, after the market closes. Since 1993, the real profits have come outside regular trading hours. Image: The New York Times, Bespoke Investment…