ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day Even holiday cheer can’t mask the disappointment of unwanted Christmas gifts! Just as bears prefer gold over stocks for its safety and inflation hedge, we all secretly wish for gifts that sparkle! Happy Friday, Everyone! 😎
Magnificent Seven Contribution to S&P 500 Returns The Magnificent Seven stocks have played a crucial role in driving the S&P 500’s performance in 2024, continuing the momentum from their remarkable gains in 2023. Image: Alpine Macro
ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day The bulls are celebrating like kids with their favorite new gadget, thrilled by the S&P 500’s 1.10% jump to kick off the Santa Claus Rally! Have a Great Day, Everyone! 😎
Real 10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield Despite rising 10-year real U.S. Treasury yields indicating tighter financial conditions, the stock market remains unaffected due to favorable economic indicators, strong corporate earnings forecasts, and anticipated supportive monetary policy. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yields Forecast Goldman Sachs forecasts the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield to hit 4.35% by the end of 2025, diverging from current futures market expectations. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Equities as a Percent of Financial Assets With favorable market conditions and increasing stock valuations, Americans now hold more than 37% of all assets in equities, marking a record high. Image: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
S&P 500 Performance After 10 Days or More of Decliners > Advancers Bulls are smiling again! Since 1974, when the S&P 500 had more decliners than advancers for 10 or more consecutive days, it has been positive 100% of the time over the following 12 months, with an average gain of 17.9%. Image: Carson Investment…
The World Economy – GDP by Country The United States has maintained its position as the world’s largest economy for over a century and is projected to continue this trend in 2025, unless, of course, aliens land and demand a trade deal! Image: Visual Capitalist
S&P 500 – Top 10 U.S. Companies by Market Capitalization Relative to Total The dominance of the top 10 U.S. companies in the S&P 500 Index raises concerns about the index’s ability to provide adequate diversification for investors. Image: Societe Generale Cross Asset Research
U.S. Debt to GDP Ratio The projected surge in U.S. federal debt over the next three decades may adversely impact the economy, resulting in elevated interest payments, strained resources, and possible constraints on economic growth and government flexibility. Image: Deutsche Bank
U.S. Corporate Bond Spreads U.S. corporate bond spreads are currently at historically tight levels, suggesting potential bubble-like conditions. While a major correction is not guaranteed, several factors indicate rising risks in the first half of 2025. Image: Alpine Macro