Average Global Policy Rate Global central banks moved decisively into rate‑cutting mode through 2025, with analysts expecting further, though more measured, easing in 2026, particularly in the United States. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
S&P 500 Returns After Down >15% YTD and Comes Back to Up Double Digits Momentum is with the bulls. Each time the S&P 500 has sunk more than 15% and then closed the year with double-digit gains, the following year has extended the rally with another double-digit rise. That trend has held firm since 1950.…
Price of Gold Forecast Analyst forecasts for gold at the end of 2026 cluster near record highs, with most expecting bullion to gain about 7%. A slower climb than last year’s rally and with forecasts spanning a wide range. Image: Financial Times
U.S. Financial Conditions Index and SLOOS With financial conditions easing and banks pulling back on loan tightening, the U.S. economy looks poised for stronger investment, hiring, and growth. But those tailwinds could reignite inflation if demand runs ahead of supply. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Returns for Major Global Financial Assets Silver’s rally in 2025 left global assets in the dust, earning it the crown as the year’s best-performing asset. Image: Deutsche Bank
S&P 500 and Combination of Forward PE, VIX, Bullish Sentiment The Euphoriameter, a composite of forward P/E, the VIX, and bullish sentiment, has cooled from a year ago but is still sitting close to the top of its historical range, flashing an early warning for the market cycle. Image: Topdown Charts
10-Year U.S. Treasury Yield U.S. Treasuries ended a stellar 2025, but few expect a repeat this year. Lower rates may offer some support, but heavy debt issuance, sticky inflation, and ongoing fiscal spending could keep long-end yields from falling much further. Image: Bloomberg
U.S. Recession Probability U.S. recession risk over the next 12 months is meaningfully above “business as usual,” but not at levels typically seen right on the eve of a downturn. Image: Deutsche Bank Research
Pullbacks and Returns a Year Off the Lows for the S&P 500 Index Based on the 4-Year Presidential Cycle Midterm election years are rarely smooth sailing for U.S. stocks. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has on average tumbled 17.5% from its highs, the sharpest swoon in the four-year presidential cycle. Image: Carson Investment Research
S&P 500 Seasonal Composite 4 Year Presidential Election Cycle In 2024 and 2025, the S&P 500 danced to the beat of the four-year election cycle. Is 2026 when the music changes? Image: Nautilus Research
Valuation – Market Capitalization of Stock Market / M2 Money Supply U.S. market capitalization has surged since late 2022, lifting valuations far beyond what M2 growth alone can explain. Image: Gavekal, Macrobond