The Market in Pictures, August 11

Our team looks at a lot of research throughout each day. A few charts that caught our eye this week, and the way they fit the unfolding puzzle of evidence:   Brad: Most Q2 earnings are out, and it’s generally been better-than-expected   Source: Strategas as...
July 2023 Rebalance Rationale

July 2023 Rebalance Rationale

The first half of 2023 was wild, and far from most expectations. Risk assets sold off during the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in March, then rose just as quickly. Through its resolution, and onto the First Republic collapse and fears of the Debt Ceiling debate, a...
Aptus 2023 Halftime Report

Aptus 2023 Halftime Report

As we hit the halfway point in the year, investors remain on edge given recessionary worries, persistent inflation, and a slowdown in growth. Yet, we continue to see leadership in markets driving us into the 11th best start to the year for the S&P since 1928 (as...
July 2023 Rebalance Rationale

April 2023 Rebalance Rationale

The first quarter of 2023 started out with a bang. Q1 experienced what felt like three distinct market cycles condensed into three months. January experienced a perceived “Soft Landing” where inflation was seen as falling quickly while the economic data was on the...
Decision Inputs

Decision Inputs

Decisions are easier to make if conviction of outcome is high, and/or the tradeoff profile is attractive enough. Even if (you think) you know the outcome of an event, if the tradeoff profile is poor then what? Let’s use a real-time example: Given that it’s the NCAA...