U.S. Stock Market Bull and Bear Indicator – S&P 500 Last Friday, our Stock Market Bull & Bear Indicator was bullish well before the opening bell and the S&P 500 followed through, closing up 0.80%. Using multiple financial data, this great model helps investors navigate through different market conditions. It suggests whether the U.S. stock…
Central Bank Gold Purchases Central bank gold buying eased to 863 tonnes in 2025 from 1,092 tonnes in 2024. Buying has cooled, but official-sector demand remains well above historical standards and continues to play a strategic role in reserve diversification. Image: Real Investment Advice
Various S&P 500 Index 6-Month Returns May-October is often seen as the weaker stretch for U.S. stocks, averaging just 2.1%. But when April rallies more than 5%, history flips the script: since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged a 6.6% gain, with a median return of 10%. Image: Carson Investment Research
Seasonality – Monthly Return Stats for the S&P 500 May often looks flat for U.S. stocks on paper, but the ride is rarely smooth, with plenty of swings before the dust settles. Image: Topdown Charts
Risky vs. Safe Assets Fund Flows Over the past four weeks, inflows into risk assets have outpaced those into safer funds, pointing to a shift in investor appetite toward higher-return bets. With confidence rebuilding, markets are tilting back toward risk. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
MSCI World Sector/Style Valuations Valuations across many sectors and styles remain stretched, leaving investors with little margin for error. That’s what makes this market tricky. If sentiment shifts, there’s hardly any cushion. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Equity Market Concentration – Market Capitalization of 10 Largest Companies as Share of S&P 500 Total The market used to be a mirror. Now it acts more like a megaphone. Ten mega-caps account for 40% of the S&P 500, stretching valuations and amplifying volatility. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Probability of U.S. Recession Calculated from the Yield Curve The probability of U.S. recession in 12 months, calculated from the yield curve, stands at 14.5%, tilting the narrative toward continued expansion. This cycle still has room to run. Image: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Hyperscaler Quarterly Capex Growth Over the next few quarters, hyperscalers are set to slow capex growth, which could drag on valuations while leaving them more vulnerable in the supply-strained battle for AI leadership. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. New Private Housing Units Authorized by Building Permits and Recessions In March, U.S. building permits declined to 1.372 million, below expectations. Historically, building permits tend to peak and then decline prior to economic recessions. Image: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
S&P 500 Sector P/E Valuations Relative to History S&P 500 Financials still trade at relatively modest valuations versus other sectors, while Industrials are beginning to price in a lot of optimism. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research