Valuation – Shiller CAPE Ratio for the S&P 500 The Shiller CAPE has pushed above 40, approaching the 44-times peak seen at the height of the dot-com frenzy. Such rich valuations have often signaled markets running hot. Image: Deutsche Bank Research
GS U.S. Financial Conditions Index With rates drifting lower and quantitative tightening in the rearview mirror, U.S. financial conditions are easing, creating a friendlier setting for growth across both households and firms. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Gold vs. 1970s Gold has been shining bright, but it’s nowhere near the late-1970s gold rush. Investors might want to keep an open mind. Image: Bloomberg
Consensus EPS Growth Estimates Optimism is running high on Wall Street for 2026, with analysts forecasting a 14% rise in S&P 500 earnings. But small caps could be the real story, with EPS growth forecast to surge 60%. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Seasonality – S&P 500 Index Returns in December As the holidays approach, buyers usually return and the year-end rally tends to pick up speed in the second half of December. Historically, U.S. stocks have climbed an average of 1.4% during the month. Image: Carson Investment Research
U.S. Dollar Positioning Bearish bets on the U.S. dollar are crowded, and past extremes in positioning have often been the prelude to a rebound. Image: TS Lombard
Mega-Cap Growth & Tech Positioning With positioning at the 78th percentile, appetite for mega-cap growth and tech stays strong, but not overstretched. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
Index Performance – S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Russell 2000, Mag 7 The broad market is quietly rotating: the S&P 500 is just below its October highs, but small caps and the average stock are outperforming, while mega-cap growth and Tech soften. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
S&P 500 Trend Channel Valuations may look stretched, but the S&P 500 has held a steady 22.7% annualized uptrend since October 2022 and now sits near the bottom of that trend channel. Image: Deutsche Bank Asset Allocation
S&P 500 Valuation Multiples With valuations lofty and expectations running high, U.S. stocks look exposed if earnings or the economy disappoint. Image: Real Investment Advice
Stocks – Dow Jones with Major Geopolitical Events The Dow Jones closed at another record high. While the usual chorus warns of bubbles and busts, U.S. stocks keep tuning out the noise, proving once again that patience is still the strongest trade. Image: Carson Investment Research