Average S&P 500 Performance During Corrections In bear markets, sharp rallies are common but rarely signal a true bottom, as the primary downtrend tends to reassert itself afterward. Many investors believe the direction of U.S. stocks in 2025 remains uncertain. Image: Bloomberg
Median Non-Farm Payrolls in the 12 Months Before and After the Start of a U.S. Recession Consistently adding more than 100,000 payroll jobs each month is considered a vital cushion against recession worries. Continued growth at this pace could bolster confidence in the U.S. economy’s direction over the next few months. Image: Deutsche Bank
Bear Market Rallies Since 1980, global bear market rallies have averaged 44 days with 14% gains. Prices have already rebounded 18% from the April 7 low. For a sustained recovery, a stronger economic outlook and supportive policies are needed. Image: Bloomberg
Proportion of S&P 500 Firms Mentioning Recession during Quarterly Earnings Calls The proportion of S&P 500 firms mentioning “recession” in their earnings calls has risen sharply to 24%, signaling growing worries about an economic slowdown despite continued positive earnings growth. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Earnings Surprises of S&P 500 Companies This quarter’s earnings season demonstrates continued resilience in corporate profitability. 51% of S&P 500 companies have beaten Q1 earnings estimates by at least 1 stdev., while 12% have missed by at least 1 stdev. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Proportion of S&P 500 Beating Earnings Estimate The proportion of U.S. companies exceeding earnings estimates remained above the historical average in Q1 2025, reflecting ongoing earnings resilience. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
Share of S&P 500 Compagnies Providing Forward Earnings Guidance During Reporting Season The trend of fewer S&P 500 companies providing forward guidance is likely to persist as long as macroeconomic and policy uncertainties remain elevated. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Consecutive Days of Gains Although there are valid reasons for caution, the U.S. stock rebound is driven by strong momentum. Historically, momentum-driven rallies tend to persist longer than expected, even during major macroeconomic challenges. Image: Bloomberg
Valuation – The Buffett Indicator Although the Buffett Indicator has fallen from record highs, making U.S. stocks appear more attractive, it still sits well above its historical average and past market lows. Image: Bloomberg
Fed Funds Rate – Target Probabilities at the Fed’s FOMC Meeting Traders show little optimism for a Fed rate cut at the May 7, 2025 FOMC meeting, with market expectations assigning just a 4.4% probability of a 25 bps reduction. Image: CME Group
S&P 500 Performance Recovering 50% of Bear Market With the S&P 500 regaining half of its near-bear market losses in 2025, history strongly suggests that the lows may already be behind us. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has always produced positive returns one year later. Image: Carson Investment Research