Seasonality – Monthly Return Stats for the S&P 500 July has been a friendly month for U.S. stocks, with average returns of 0.8% going back to 1964. If that seasonal pattern holds, bulls could have reason to smile. Image: Topdown Charts
Gold Model Using a model that incorporates real yields, the dollar, the S&P 500, and copper, gold now appears to be trading near fair value again. That leaves investors with a neutral signal. Image: Bloomberg
U.S. Margin Debt Margin debt is rising fast. Leverage can turbocharge gains in a rally, but it cuts just as hard when sentiment shifts. Investors would be wise to pay attention. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 YoY EPS Growth The median S&P 500 stock is expected to report 9% EPS growth in Q2 2026, a far cry from the 22% EPS growth forecast for the aggregate index. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. Breakeven Inflation Rate U.S. breakeven inflation rates are not just easing. They have been falling sharply, pointing to markets pricing in weaker inflation ahead, a welcome sign for stability and growth. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Seasonality – S&P 500 Index Average Monthly Returns The S&P 500 is down about 3% so far this month. But if seasonality plays out, July could flip the script, ranking as the strongest month on average over the past two decades, giving bulls a reason to smile. Image: Carson Investment Research
Tech: Capex and Buyback & Dividends Tech capex has now overtaken buybacks and dividends. Are shareholders trading short-term pain for long-term gain? It only works if that spending delivers real returns. Image: Societe Generale Cross Asset Research
S&P 500 Quarterly YoY EPS Growth Relative to Consensus Expectations Consensus sees S&P 500 earnings rising 22% year on year in 2Q 2026, driven largely by strong tech profits. Once again, tech is carrying the market. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Annual Highs Per Month Do not tell the bears that the S&P 500 has never peaked in June. Every other month has, at least once since 1950. If history is any guide, the high may still lie ahead and bulls may not be done smiling. Image: Carson Investment Research
U.S. Heavy Truck Sales and Recessions (Leading Indicator) U.S. heavy truck sales rose in June to 483K (annualized). Before recessions, heavy trucks sales tend to peak and then decline, providing insights into the overall health of the U.S. economy as a leading economic indicator. Click the Image to Enlarge
VIX and S&P 500 Seasonality The VIX and the S&P 500 usually move in opposite directions. As volatility rises from late July into the autumn months, the period often proves challenging for U.S. stocks. Image: Topdown Charts