MSCI Emerging Markets Index Emerging markets are back in play, lifted by a softer U.S. dollar, easing global rates, and fresh reforms from Beijing to New Delhi. The rally’s staying power, though, hinges on how long the dollar stays soft. Image: Bloomberg
U.S. Consumer Confidence in Higher Stock Prices vs. S&P 500 Trailing Valuations Confidence in future stock gains is fueling higher valuations, with investors paying up for growth they believe will last. But that conviction could prove fragile if those expectations falter. Image: Real Investment Advice
S&P 500 Index Returns vs. Drawdowns in Midterm Election Years Midterm years often test Wall Street’s nerve. Since 1930, the S&P 500 has typically fallen around 20% on average at some point, but those pullbacks have often marked the start of strong buying opportunities. Image: Ned Davis Research
Valuations Across EM Markets The valuation gap in emerging markets is striking: India trades at a premium, whereas China’s pricing feels more in line with its history. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
U.S. Big Tech’s Capital Expenditures Tech titans Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft plan to spend $650 billion this year into AI data centers, chips, and infrastructure, up 60% from last year as the race for AI dominance intensifies despite mounting execution risks. Image: Bloomberg
Macro Valuation Measure (S&P 500) U.S. stocks look rich compared with what today’s macro backdrop would normally justify. In previous cycles, such lofty valuations at these levels have often paved the way for years of subdued returns. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Bitcoin and Nasdaq 100 Bitcoin has closely tracked the Nasdaq 100 in recent years, mirroring shifts in market sentiment and risk appetite. That link is also relatively visible now, as the speculative mood encounters turbulence. Image: Topdown Charts
Average Percentile of Sentiment Indicators The mood is bullish for now, and we’re not near the extremes. Market participants aren’t showing signs of fatigue just yet, at least until the next headline hits. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Margin Debt as Percentage of Real Disposal Personal Income Margin debt sits at a record share of real disposable income. With incomes stagnating and borrowing surging, investors look vulnerable. Markets appear calm, for now, but they can turn fast. Image: Real Investment Advice
S&P 500 Aggregate vs Median Earnings Growth S&P 500 earnings rose 14.5% year-on-year in Q4 2025, exceeding initial estimates and marking the strongest quarterly gain in four years as profit growth broadened across sectors. Image: Deutsche Bank
Performance – MSCI U.S. vs. All Country World ex. U.S. Ratio and Trend After nearly a decade of U.S. stocks trouncing global peers, international markets have finally turned the tables, making home bias look increasingly costly. Image: Hi Mount Research