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 small-cap strength to earnings season, interest rates and housing, and tariffs and energy flows. Have a great long weekend!

 

Dave: It was a good month for stocks of all sizes and styles

 

 

 

Brett: with small caps making up a bit of their shortfall vs. large caps

 

Source: Bespoke as of 08.28.2025

 

 

Dave: An important piece of both the earnings AND valuation stories is the strength in profit margins

 

Source: Strategas as of 08.26.2025

 

 

Jake: resulting in broad earnings improvement

 

Data as of 08.26.2025

 

 

Brad: and an aggregate earnings number now back above the levels expected before Liberation Day

 

Source: Strategas as of 08.18.2025

 

 

Ten: As a whole, volatility in bond markets has become muted

 

Data as of 08.27.2025

 

 

John Luke: though under the surface, there has been a significant steepening of the yield curve

 

Data as of 08.27.2025

 

 

Arch: The theme of higher long-term rates is becoming a global one

 

Data as of 08.26.2025

 

 

Brian: as is a global lack of concern that bonds may default

 

Data as of 08.26.2025

 

 

Beckham: We’re finally seeing a break lower in the spread between Treasury yields and mortgage rates

 

Source: Redfin as of 08.26.2025

 

 

Beckham: which is a rare hopeful sign for those wanting to see a rise in housing activity

 

Data as of 08.27.2025

 

 

John Luke: Monthly tariff revenue has risen to meaningful levels

 

Data as of 08.26.2025

 

 

Brad: with foreign exporters paying a steadily falling share of the cost

 

Data as of 08.25.2025

 

 

Joseph: As production has grown, the U.S. has become a growing exporter of petroleum

 

Data as of June 2025

 

 

Joseph: and we’re racing hard to keep up with needed capacity for electricity

 

Data as of 08.15.2025

 

 

 

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-2508-28.