Our team looks at a lot of research throughout the day. Here are a handful of (SpaceX-free) charts we think are good summations of investor activity, from single stock movement to tech investment and performance, US comparisons to foreign, and the balancing act required by the incoming Fed Chairman. Have a great weekend!

 

 John: If you’re a stock picker, the recent period has been feast or famine

 

Data as of 06.05.2026

 

 

Jake: and the options market has been pricing in that uncertainty

Source: Apollo as of 06.10.2026

 

 

Brad: The rise in large cap stocks as a whole has been driven by earnings, while smaller stocks have been carried by valuation expansion

 

Data as of 06.09.2026

 

 

Dave: with the rise in profit margins being mostly a large cap phenomenon

 

 

 

Ten: Investment in intangibles has been a driving force of US businesses

 

Data as of April 2026

 

 

John Luke: with AI capex the latest major iteration

 

Data as of 06.05.2026

 

 

Mark: the result has been a decade of market domination by technology companies

 

Source: @MichaelKantro

 

 

Dave: with no sign of a slowdown in tech’s earnings growth 

 

Source: Strategas as of 06.08.2026

 

 

Dave: Tech dominating through reinvestment has definitely compounded in the US’s favor in recent decades

 

Source: Strategas as of 06.08.2026

 

 

Brett: with no sign of the dominance going away

 

Data as of 06.07.2026

 

 

John Luke: Inside the US, the disappearance of job growth seems to be in the past

 

Data as of 06.05.2026

 

 

Brian: with more granular numbers also seeing early signs of corporate hiring needs

 

Source: Duality Research as of 06.08.2026

 

 

Dave: Large corporations have stayed lean when it comes to borrowing, facing little impact even with higher rates

 

Data as of 06.08.2026

 

 

John Luke: governments are seeing the opposite take place, lots of borrowing and higher rates

Data as of 06.10.2026

 

 

Joseph: Energy stocks have been a true hedge since the Iran conflict broke out

 

 

 

Beckham: And countries around the world are building stockpiles just in case supply remains constrained

 

Graphic via WSJ as of 06.09.2026

 

 

JD: A SpaceX reference, among others

 

Data as of 06.08.2026

 

 

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-2606-13.