Our team looks at a lot of research throughout the day. Here are a handful of charts we think are good summations of investor activity, from Q2 standouts to sector dispersion, rising earnings and falling credit spreads, and inflation and the FOMC. Have a great long weekend, Happy Birthday USA!

 

Mark: It was one of the better quarters on record for stocks, and retail dip-buyers were in the thick of it

 

 

Brett: The largest, most-discussed stocks were actually a drag for most of June

Source: Bespoke as of 06.26.2026

 

 

John Luke: with correlation across individual stocks plunging

 

 

Beckham: and the equal-weighted version of the S&P 500 putting in some major gains relative to the cap-weighted version

Source: Bespoke as of 06.26.2026

 

 

John Luke: The run in stocks has been a driving force of the gap between equity owners and non-owners

Graphic as of March 2026

 

 

Brian: but is also providing support for participants in old-school pension plans

Source: Apollo as of 07.01.2026

 

 

JD: The healthy economy is lending support to the cost of corporate debt

Data as of 06.26.2026

 

 

John Luke: and no visible reason to expect high compensation for lenders

Source: Strategas as of 06.30.2026

 

 

Brad: Earnings estimates just keep rising all the way through 2027

Graphic via DataTrek as of 06.23.2026

 

 

Beckham: and it’s no longer just a US phenomenon

 

 

John Luke: The question then is valuations… with inflation expectations stable, there’s the potential for a boost on that side as well

Data as of 06.28.2026

 

 

Beckham: We have transport costs moving higher

Source: Apollo as of 06.26.2026

 

 

John Luke: but Fed Chair Warsh’s favorite “Trimmed Mean” lower

Data as of 06.28.2026

 

 

Dave: and “Supercore” stable to higher, above stated targets

Data as of 06.29.2026

 

 

Brad: Hyperscaler spending has been repeatedly underestimated

Graphic via NewEdge Wealth 06.27.2026

 

 

John: but it may not be the jobs disaster that has worried so many “experts”

Graphic as of 06.29.2026

 

 

Brian: with wide differences across industries in 2026

Source: Bespoke as of 07.01.2026

 

 

Dave: US stocks have been good in recent Julys… God Bless America!

Graphic via Raymond James as of 07.01.2026

 

 

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-2607-4.