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 manager struggles to large cap earnings, AI impacts to economic growth, and money flows to cash and bonds. Hope you have a great weekend!

 

 

Dave: It’s been a tough year for stock-pickers relative to the market cap-weighted S&P 500

 

 

 

John Luke: giving investors another reason to move to index funds

 

Data as of 12.12.2025 

 

Brad: with an inkling of change over the past 6 weeks but not enough to dent tech leadership

 

Source: Citadel as of 12.17.2025

 

Joseph: If earnings expectations hold, it will be tough to bring the tech juggernaut down

 

Source: Strategas as of 12.14.2025

 

John Luke: or the S&P 500 as a whole, for that matter

Data as of 12.15.2025

 

 

Jake: The toughest battle facing the Artificial Intelligence (AI) story has been Oracle’s move to using debt to finance projects, vs. cash flow like the other hyperscalers

 

Data as of 12.12.2025

 

Joseph: but the overall jump in electricity use will likely continue to track into strong economic growth

 

 Data as of September 2025

 

John Luke: The U.S. manufacturing renaissance continues

 

Graphic via Brookfield December 2025

 

 

Dave: and while administrations can’t dictate market outcomes, they’re really good at juicing the economy

 

 Source: Strategas as of 12.17.2025

 

 John Luke: This rate-cutting cycle has had a much different impact on longer-term bonds than in recent cycles

 

 Data as of 12.15.2025

 

Beckham: partly due to the endless need to finance government spending

 

 Source: BlackRock as of 12.15.2025

 

 

Ten: Thankfully, US consumers as a whole are as prosperous as corporations and seemingly need little debt

 

 Source: Citadel as of 12.12.2025

 

Brad: but oddly, are letting much of household wealth build in the form of cash

 

Cash as a % of Household Wealth

Source: Citadel as of 12.12.2025

 

Brett: Options have become an increasingly valuable tool for building portfolios

 

Graphic via Meketa March 2024

 

Brad: with a demonstrated ability to improve outcomes

 

Data as of 12.12.2025

 

Brian: US stocks have grown to dominate global indexes, with good reason

 

Data as of 12.12.2025

 

 

 

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-2512-23.