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
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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.
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