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 market momentum to lack of credit compensation, to rates and US dollar moves and housing. Enjoy!

 

Jake: The return to new highs for US stocks puts it in the upper range of the extended rallies of the past century

 

Source: Bespoke as of 06.27.25

 

 

Dave: after the bull looked wobbly in the heart of the tariff tantrum

  

 

 

John Luke: Stocks are heading into Q3 with a full head of steam, which has historically been a good sign for future returns

 

Source: Strategas as of 06.26.2025

 

 

Brett: and while many are hesitant to embrace large-cap stocks due to “high” valuation, the record shows very little future performance difference between high and moderate valuations

 

Source: Bespoke as of 06.22.2025

 

 

Arch: The growth of ETFs has made them a huge owner of corporate bonds

 

Data as of 06.20.2025

 

 

Brian: perhaps contributing to the lack of compensation for credit

 

Source: Aptus as of 06.25.2025

 

 

Brad: and the compensation doesn’t get a whole lot more attractive as you go down the quality scale

 

 

 

John Luke: The debate about whether FOMC policy is too restrictive remains alive

 

Data as of 06.10.2025

 

 

Brad: and looking back further, only the 1998 cycle saw a sustained rise in longer-term Treasury yields

 

Source: Goldman Sachs as of 06.23.2025

 

 

John Luke: Chairman Powell has been the target of administration pressure to cut rates, but he sits in the midrange of FOMC members advocating generally tighter or looser policy

 

Source: Bloomberg

 

 

Brad: The most obvious impact of higher rates has been a lack of borrowers ready to buy homes

 

Source: WSJ as of 06.24.2025

 

 

Beckham: but the supply side is also impacted by a lack of attractively-priced homes for sale

 

Source: Bespoke as of 06.25.2025

 

 

Joseph: The odd piece of holding rates relatively high is that the US dollar has been weak despite the relatively tighter policy, and investors aren’t ready to change that stance

 

Data as of 06.20.2025

 

 

Brian: which could be attributed to the still-expensive valuation of the dollar after its long period of strength

 

Data as of 06.23.2025

 

 

John Luke: For anyone still wondering if artificial intelligence can live up to its hype, the ramp of corporate usage is steep, with a lot of runway remaining

 

 

 

 

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-2506-62.