The Market in Pictures, August 29

by | Aug 29, 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 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.

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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.

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