U.S. Stock Market Bull and Bear Indicator – S&P 500 Friday, our Stock Market Bull & Bear Indicator was bullish well before the opening bell and the S&P 500 followed through, closing up 0.84%. Using multiple financial data, this great model helps investors navigate through different market conditions. It suggests whether the U.S. stock market…
Investor Sentiment – U.S. Market Greed/Fear Index The Greed and Fear Index stands at 73.53, flirting with extreme greed. Following a rally of this magnitude, downside risks are beginning to creep in. Image: Real Investment Advice
S&P 500 Performance After Six Week Win Streaks Up >10% Six weeks up and more than 10% higher. Historically, that combination has been a tailwind for U.S. stocks, delivering average 12-month returns of 17.1% since 1950. It is exactly the kind of setup bulls like to see. Image: Carson Investment Research
U.S. Equity Index P/E Valuations vs. History The market’s appetite for growth shows little sign of cooling. With the Nasdaq 100 at 26 times forward earnings, the Russell 2000 at 25, and the S&P 500 at 21, investors are positioned for continued upside. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Returns During Earnings Seasons During earnings season, the S&P 500 typically rallies, posting a median gain of 2% over the first four weeks. This time, the index is up nearly four times that pace. That’s definitely not a “normal” earnings season. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
AAII Sentiment Survey U.S. retail investors turned marginally bullish over the past week, but positioning is far from euphoric. It looks more like hesitation fading than conviction building. Confidence is improving, but enthusiasm is still missing. Image: The Daily Chartbook
Performance vs. S&P 500 by Uses of Cash U.S. companies that return the most cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks have outperformed the S&P 500 since 1992. The outperformance usually reflects stronger fundamentals and disciplined capital allocation. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Bitcoin and Software Bitcoin has largely tracked software stocks in recent years. The reset phase now looks to be transitioning into a rebound. Both have cleared near-term resistance and are starting to build short-term uptrends. Image: Topdown Charts
Consensus EPS Growth Estimates The Middle East conflict has barely dented Wall Street’s optimism. Analysts see S&P 500 earnings climbing 23% in 2026 and another 15% in 2027, while small caps earnings are expected to surge 45% this year and 34% next year. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
YTD Change in S&P 500 Price, Earnings, and Valuation The S&P 500 has pushed higher this year, but valuations have eased as earnings expectations outpace price gains. When profits accelerate, markets can rise without stretching multiples. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Price Target for 2026 Riding on strong EPS growth forecasts, Goldman Sachs maintains its bullish view, projecting a 12% climb to 7,600 in the S&P 500 this year, albeit with some bumps along the way. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research