The Market in Pictures, May 9

by | May 9, 2025 | Blog, Charts

Our team looks at a lot of research throughout the day. Here are a handful that we think are good summations of investor activity, from earnings and hyperscalers to soft vs. hard economic data. Enjoy!

 

Brad: Q1 sales and earnings have generally been better than the worst fears of a month ago

 

Data as of 05.06.2025

 

 

John Luke: with overall S&P 500 results running well ahead of expectations for Q1

 

Data as of 05.05.2025

 

 

Dave: The real issue is the outlook for the rest of the year

 

Source: Raymond James as of 05.09.2025

 

 

Brad: as forward earnings estimates take a hit

 

Source: Strategas as of 05.07.2025

 

 

Brett: With some industries seeing particularly sharp revisions lower

 

Source: Strategas as of 05.07.2025

 

 

Arch: and the overall pace getting into levels historically tied to FOMC rate cuts

 

Data as of 05.06.2025

 

 

Dave: For all of the angst over Mag 7 concentration, their market dominance has been in line with their superior fundamental results

 

Source: Raymond James as of 05.09.2025

 

 

John Luke: and their capital spending dwarfs other groups, with ripple effects through the economy

 

Graphic via BlackRock

 

 

Brian: Business surveys show sharply lower confidence amidst the trade uncertainty

 

Source: Goldman Sachs as of 05.02.2025

 

 

Joseph: with the ISM Manufacturing Survey falling into recession territory

 

Data as of 05.02.2025

 

 

Jake: but payroll data resilient enough to keep the FOMC from resuming their rate-cutting cycle

 

Graphic via WSJ as of 05.02.2025

 

 

Dave: Complicating the Fed’s efforts is the steadiness of inflation at levels above their stated preferences

 

Source: Strategas as of 05.08.2025

 

 

Beckham: and the high/rising expectations for input prices

 

Source: Apollo as of 04.26.2025

 

 

John Luke: Sentiment surveys have reached historically low levels of consumer confidence relative to real-world conditions

 

Data as of 05.05.2025

 

Data as of 05.05.2025

 

 

Brian: the divergence in public sentiment vs. stock market action is prompting debate about whether individuals are too gloomy about the economy

 

Data as of 05.05.2025

 

 

Ten: There is no playbook that works every time, but historically, some sectors have had outsized reactions to growth and inflation regimes

 

 

 

Joseph: The recent win streak for stocks stood out not only for its durability but also for the distance traveled

 

Data as of 05.05.2025

 

 

Disclosures

 

Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is not financial advice or an offer to sell any product. The information contained herein should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed.

Projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future financial performance of markets are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially.

This commentary offers generalized research, not personalized investment advice. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a complete description of our investment services or performance. Nothing in this commentary should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future investment returns. All investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to consult with an investment & tax professional before implementing any investment strategy. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

Advisory services are offered through Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about the advisor, its investment strategies and objectives, is included in the firm’s Form ADV Part 2, which can be obtained, at no charge, by calling (251) 517-7198. Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC is headquartered in Fairhope, Alabama. ACA-2505-11.

Advisory services offered through Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level or skill or training. More information about the advisor, its investment strategies and objectives, is included in the firm’s Form ADV Part 2, which can be obtained, at no charge, by calling (251) 517-7198.

Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC is headquartered in Fairhope, Alabama.

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aptus Capital Advisors (“Aptus”) and/or the individual Aptus Employee being interviewed as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Aptus reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that such assessments of investments will be accurate. There is no guarantee that strategies or recommendations will equal or exceed any expectations or goals discussed. The discussions, outlook, and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aptus Capital Advisors (“Aptus”) and are subject to change without notice.

Aptus social media posts, including third party material, are provided for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security, product or service. Aptus posts are based on data obtained from sources believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed as being accurate and do not purport to be a complete summary of the available data. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Aptus does not endorse or take responsibility for any content, advertising, products, advice, opinions, recommendations, or other materials posted by followers or other third parties on Aptus’ social media sites. Any comments or opinions posted by another user should be attributed to that user and not Aptus.

Aptus is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Aptus including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available at www.aptuscapitaladvisors.com or by calling 251.517.7198.

Enhancing Outcomes

Your job is to help clients meet their goals. Part of that is capturing the compounding power of markets, part is making sure the path matches client expectations. How portfolios get from point A to point B matters.