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 strategist chasing to inflation, earnings and the economy, to international comps and beautiful bills. Enjoy!

 

Brett: As is usually the case, Wall Street strategists seemingly anchor on current levels and add/subtract a made-up return number around it

 

 

 

 

Dave: setting up a comical collection of moving targets through volatile periods

 

Source: Strategas

 

 

Jake: While the general feeling seems to be that stocks are way up, actual returns aren’t showing extreme performance

 

Source: Bespoke as of 06.04.2025

 

 

John Luke: though the recent move from the lows has put itself in solid company

 

 

 

 

Dave: US consumer incomes are growing steadily, at a pace probably too high for the Fed to cut but too low to hike

 

Source: Raymond James as of 06.06.2025

 

 

Joseph: which is also a reasonable conclusion from the broad mix of inflation indicators

 

Data as of 06.11.2025

 

 

Brian: either way, the entirety of inflation in recent quarters has come from the services side

 

Data as of 06.11.2025

 

 

John Luke: Bonds as a whole remain a thorn in the side of allocators, providing little return and no correlation benefits

 

 

 

 

Arch: and the US Treasury has issued endless supply to cover federal spending, which probably won’t stop

Source: Apollo as of March 2025

 

 

John Luke: one bright spot is that the relative attractiveness of municipal bonds has risen

 

Source: Morgan Stanley

 

 

Brad: Consensus earnings estimates for 2026 have pulled back from prior expectations

 

 

 

 

Dave: and there’s a seemingly high bar to meet expectations for the 2nd half of this year

 

Source: Raymond James as of 06.06.2025

 

 

Dave: with that said, we’ll probably need to see a continued explosion in artificial intelligence (AI) spending

 

Source: Raymond James as of 06.06.2025

 

 

Beckham: Manufacturing sentiment in Europe is rising at a time of concern from US manufacturers

 

Data as of 06.02.2025

 

 

John Luke: but history has proven US businesses to be superior to businesses around the world

 

Data as of 06.06.2025

 

 

John Luke: Whatever comes out of the one, big, beautiful bill, it looks to be growth-positive in the near term. And (maybe) less growth-positive in the long term.

 

Data as of 06.06.2025

 

 

 

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-2506-35.