Emerging Markets Equities Around First Rate Cut Emerging markets equities rallied 12% and 29% around the first rate cuts of 2001 and 2007. Image: BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research

Bull Markets (Total Return) Since the March 2009 low, the S&P 500 is up 397% and remains in a long-term bull market. Image: Fidelity Investments

The Stock Market’s Central Trend The chart shows that the S&P 500 is only 10% above its long-term trend since 1871. Image: Fidelity Investments

S&P 500 Index and Fed Funds Rate vs. U.S. Presidential Elections Since 1956, history tells us that the S&P 500 is more important than the Fed, within 12 months preceding the U.S. presidential election. Image:…

Number of 5% Sell-Offs in the S&P 500 The chart shows the count of 5% sell-offs per year in the S&P 500. Keep in mind that it has happened almost every year and 154 times since…

U.S. Companies’ Market Capitalization vs. Countries’ GDP This chart puts into perspective the GDP of various countries with the market capitalization of some U.S. companies. Image: howmuch.net

Semiconductor Sales vs. Global Earnings per Share The chart shows that semiconductor sales suggest a collapse in corporate earnings. Image: Jeroen Blokland

U.S. Output Gap vs. U.S. Consumer Confidence Great chart showing the strong correlation between U.S. consumer confidence and the U.S. Output Gap. U.S. consumer confidence always peaks before a recession. Image: Pictet Asset Management

Semiconductor Sales vs. Global Trade (volume) Interesting chart showing the correlation of 0.78 between semiconductor sales and global trade (volume). Image: Paolo Cardena

Home Builder Sentiment Leads Consumer Spending Interesting chart suggesting that the NAHB housing market index leads the change in consumer spending. The latest reading for July suggests that the outlook for the U.S. economy is…

Global Central Banks Back In Easing Mode Some of the major central banks are hitting the pause button and are back in easing mode. Image: LPL Research