Sentiment – NFIB Small Business Optimism Index In November, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased by 8 points to 101.7, driven by the recent election results, potentially boosting employment, investment, and economic activity. Image: J.P. Morgan
Total Cryptocurrency Market Capitalization The cryptocurrency market has witnessed significant growth recently, with its total market capitalization approaching US$4 trillion. Image: Gavekal, Macrobond
VIX – Volatility Index While the current low VIX suggests investors are feeling as calm as a cat in a sunbeam, it also serves as a warning about potential future volatility if market conditions shift unexpectedly. Image: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Sentiment – U.S. Composite Put/Call Ratio The sharp decline in the U.S. put/call ratio to very low levels signals widespread market complacency, as even typically anxious investors appear unworried. Image: Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Small Cap Stocks – Russell 2000 > 10% Gain for the Month Bulls are smiling again! The Russell 2000’s 10.9% gain in November is a promising sign for small-cap stocks over the next six months, with an average increase of 11.3% since 1979 and gains occurring 90% of the time. Image: Carson Investment Research
ETF Assets Leveraged Long/Short Products Ratio With leveraged long ETFs leaving inverse products in the dust, market’s optimism is so contagious that bears are considering a career change! Image: Bloomberg
ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day Bulls are all in on the S&P 500 reaching new highs in 2025, while bears are just dreaming for a stock market meltdown! Have a Great Week, Everyone! 😎
25-Year Cumulative Return of S&P 500 over Gold Warren Buffett has a skeptical view of gold as an investment, but apparently, gold didn’t get the memo and has been outperforming the S&P 500 over the past 25 years! Image: Deutsche Bank
Valuation – S&P 500 Price-to-Book Ratio Fueled by AI optimism, the S&P 500’s price-to-book ratio hit 5.3 in 2024, proving that Wall Street can party like it’s 1999… again. Image: Bloomberg
Performance of U.S. vs. Rest of World Equities Investing in U.S. corporations is like betting on a horse that always finishes the race—sure, it might stumble, but it usually crosses the finish line ahead of the pack! Image: BlackRock Investment Institute
S&P 500 Index Around Election Day – 2016 vs. 2024 Trump’s 2024 win sparks investor optimism, reminiscent of 2016, with promises of tax cuts and deregulation. Wall Street’s post-election party is so wild, even the bears are buying drinks for the bulls! Image: Ned Davis Research