New Home Sales vs. Recessions

New Home Sales vs. Recessions Typically, a recession occurs when the annual change in New Home Sales declines by about 20%. This chart suggests that a recession from these levels would be surprising. Image: Calculated…

Cass Freight Shipments Index (6ma) vs. U.S. GDP

Cass Freight Shipments Index (6ma) vs. U.S. GDP The chart shows the Cass Freight Shipments Index (6-month average). It suggests a weakness in U.S. GDP in 3Q19. The Cass Freight Shipments Index is a relative…

Dividends and Buybacks vs. Free Cash Flow

Dividends and Buybacks vs. Free Cash Flow Dividends and buybacks have exceeded free cash flow levels again, thanks to low interest rates. But companies cannot spend more than they earn forever. Image: Capital Group

S&P 500 Hedge Fund Long Positioning

S&P 500 Hedge Fund Long Positioning Speculative long positions in the S&P 500 are near levels that have marked major bottoms in the past. Image: Macro Ops

MSCI World Index Valuation at Cycle Peaks and Troughs

MSCI World Index Valuation at Cycle Peaks and Troughs On average, the MSCI World Index currently trades at a price-to-earnings ratio that has marked cyclical peaks in the stock market over the past 50 years.…

Money Market Fund Flows and Probability of Recession

Money Market Fund Flows and Probability of Recession Investors move to safe assets by raising their cash holdings, like 2007/2008. This chart suggests that the probability of a recession in the next 12 months is…