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 Mag 7 to the rest, FOMC plans and bond yields around the globe, to inflation expectations and the economy. Hope you have a great weekend!

 

John Luke: People obsess over Mag 7 concentration, but that’s generally how market leadership evolves in every region

 

 

 

Brett: and it’s not like it’s a single batch of companies sharing identical outcomes

 

 

 

John Luke: Strategist targets are coming out, with high single-digit % gains probably more tied to average returns than any special insight

 

Source: Strategas as of 12.08.2025

 

 

Matt: even though the “average” 8-10% return rarely happens

 

 

 

Jake: Market expectations for 2026 rate cuts are slightly ahead of the FOMC’s “Dot Plot”

 

 

 

Joseph: which is not unreasonable, as the overall balance of hawks vs. doves makes multi-year lows

 

Source: Bloomberg as of 12.10.2025

 

 

Beckham: Longer-term bond yields have been unusually resistant to following along with the Fed’s rate-cutting cycle

 

Source: Apollo as of 12.10.2025

 

 

John Luke: though the yield reaction to the 2025 cuts has been much milder than in 2024

 

Source: Strategas as of 12.10.2025

 

 

John Luke: either way, yields in the U.S. have been far better behaved than in the rest of the developed world

 

Data as of 12.10.2025

 

 

John Luke: Key to the Fed’s ability to cut rates is the continued restraint of market inflation expectations

 

Source: Strategas

 

 

John Luke: that said, it’s unlikely that the public will see any of the inflation data as a win, given the cumulative impact of rising prices

 

Data as of 12.08.2025

 

 

Brad: Consumer confidence may be low, but an actual recession doesn’t seem likely

 

Source: Strategas as of 12.11.2025

 

 

Brad: especially with the strength in corporate profits

 

Source: Macrobond as of 12.11.2025

 

 

Dave: and the administration would seem to have every incentive to run the economy at a strong pace going into the midterms

 

Source: Goldman Sachs as of 12.09.2025

 

 

Dave: Against pundit calls of an overvalued market, it’s actually been real earnings driving stocks higher

 

 

 

Brian: with only energy failing to deliver positive earnings in 2025

 

Data as of 12.08.2025

 

 

Brad: International stocks have had a great year, though not quite as earnings-driven as US stocks

 

Source: Goldman Sachs as of 12.11.2025

 

 

John: and regardless of short-term market performance, the US is where global investors want to be

 

Source: ISG as of 12.11.2025

 

 

 

 

 

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. 

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