Small-Caps: Upper End of Long-Term Range The combination of historical patterns, attractive valuations, and positive earnings growth forecasts suggests that U.S. small-caps may be well-positioned for a period of outperformance in the near future. Image: Fundstrat Global Advisors, LLC
Gold Consecutives Weekly Gains A perfect storm of factors—including inflation worries, robust central bank purchases, geopolitical uncertainties, and favorable monetary policies—has propelled gold prices upward for eight consecutive weeks. Image: The Daily Shot
Fed Balance Sheet Goldman Sachs predicts the Fed will slow its balance sheet reduction in June 2025 and end quantitative tightening by September, which could influence market liquidity and interest rates. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Performance When Higher in January and February When the S&P 500 finishes higher in both January and February, the rest of the year tends to be positive 93.1% of the time, with an average gain of 12.3%, which would likely frustrate those with persistently bearish market views. Image: Carson Investment Research
ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day Bears hate a strong February, as it is often viewed as a bullish indicator for U.S. stocks. Historically, when the S&P 500 rises in both January and February, it has been a reliable predictor of positive returns for the entire year! Happy Friday, Everyone! 😎
Cumulative Effect of AI Adoption on Productivity Growth The global adoption of AI is expected to significantly boost labor productivity and drive economic growth, potentially leading to substantial increases in GDP. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. GDP Consensus Forecast The U.S. exceptionalism narrative appears fragile. With expectations already high, there’s little room for positive surprises, and weaker economic data could hurt the dollar due to investors’ skewed positioning. Image: TS Lombard
ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day The S&P 500 may be breaking records, but bears are still singing the same old blues. Meanwhile, bulls are riding the market like there’s no tomorrow, which ironically, is what bears are predicting! Have a Great Day, Everyone! 😎
S&P 500 Profit Margin Profit margin growth in the S&P 500 is broadening, extending beyond mega-caps and the tech sector. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, indicating a healthier and more diverse market outlook. Image: Societe Generale Cross Asset Research
ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day When asked to choose between the Gulf of America and the Gulf of Mexico, the ocean smiled and replied, “The Gulf of Mexico has been called that since the 16th century. Some names are just timeless!” Happy “Hump” Day, Everyone! 🐫🐪😎
Sentiment – CBOE Equity Put/Call Ratio The current U.S. equity put/call ratio indicates a broadly bullish sentiment, implying that investors are confident about the market’s future performance, for now. Image: The Daily Shot