S&P 500 Aggregate EPS Surprise Corporate America has once again demonstrated its ability to sustain profit margins, with a strong Q4 2024 earnings season surpassing expectations by a significant margin. Image: Morgan Stanley Research
ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day Since the start of the year, U.S. stocks have been so weak on Fridays that bears are starting to think it’s their designated selling day—good time to take profits! Happy Valentine’s Day! 💝
Capital Expenditure by Magnificent Seven Companies vs. Share Price Index Major U.S. tech companies are maintaining their focus on AI infrastructure investment, even as DeepSeek’s breakthroughs raise questions about spending sustainability. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Inflation Mentions on Earnings Calls Mentions of “inflation” during S&P 500 companies’ earnings calls have plummeted to their lowest levels in years, reflecting a shift in corporate concerns and economic conditions. Image: Bloomberg
S&P 500 Index Returns in February In February, U.S. stocks often exhibit a Jekyll-and-Hyde nature: performing relatively well in the first half, but tending to underperform in the second half, giving bears a reason to smile. Image: Carson Investment Research
U.S. Core CPI and Headline Inflation Goldman Sachs forecasts U.S. core CPI inflation to be 2.8% year-over-year by the end of 2025, factoring in the impact of tariffs. Without tariffs, their projection for core CPI inflation would be 2.3% by year-end. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day Bears celebrate CPI days like kids in a candy store, while bulls are left in the corner, watching the fun unfold—like being at a party with no invites! Happy Great Day, Everyone! 😎
YoY Earnings Growth and Average Outperformance of Beats Despite strong U.S. corporate performance in the current earnings season, investor enthusiasm and market reactions are tempered by underlying concerns about tariffs, interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Image: Bloomberg
Gold Reserves by Country The United States has the largest gold reserve, followed by Germany. Image: IMF
ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day Wall Street bears are absolutely convinced the bull market is an illusion. Meanwhile, bulls are experiencing a temporary, but highly enjoyable, hearing problem when anyone mentions risk. Happy “Hump” Day, Everyone! 🐫🐪😎
Gold/CPI Ratio The inflation-adjusted price of gold has reached a new high, breaking its previous record from January 1980. This reflects the ongoing devaluation of the U.S. dollar, global economic uncertainties, and strong demand from central banks. Image: Bloomberg