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 drawdowns to rate cut expectations, inflation and the economy, and data centers and asset class correlations. Have a great weekend with warmth and March Madness, the market will be here when you get back!

 

John Luke: Stocks have added another 5% pullback to the many that have come and gone before

 

 

 

Brian: and as a positive data point, the slowest among them have been the mildest, and this one qualifies

 

Graphic as of 03.19.2026

 

 

Dave: The uptrend leading into this pullback was intact for a healthy stretch of time

 

 

 

Dave: and fell into a sweet spot of duration that has historically led to healthy 12 month returns

 

Source: Bianco Research as of 03.19.2026

 

 

John: One obstacle to an immediate bounce is the lack of corporate buybacks in the weeks ahead

 

Source: Goldman Sachs via Daily Chartbook 03.17.2026

 

 

Brett: but on the positive side, active professionals have already trimmed their bullishness

 

Data as of 03.19.2026

 

 

Ten: Expectations of rate cuts in 2026 have vanished

 

Data as of 03.18.2026

 

 

Joseph: with the next 12 months now perceived as more likely to see rate hikes than cuts

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Source: CME FedWatch Tool as of 03.20.2026

 

 

Dave: and the curve shifting dramatically since the Iran attacks began

 

 

 

John Luke: Even before the spike in energy prices, we just couldn’t get producer prices to fall into the target growth range

 

Data as of 03.18.2026

 

 

Brad: and we’re now likely to see energy become a contributor for the first time since 2022

 

Data as of 03.13.2026

 

 

Dave: As a positive, we’re in a period of broadening profits across the globe

 

 Data as of 03.13.2026

 

 

Dave: and tariffs have settled into the 10% range, regardless of new pronouncements

 

Source: Bianco as of February 2026

 

 

Jake: With the large amount of intervention by central bankers, recessions have become more of a rarity

Source: Apollo as of 03.18.2026

 

 

Beckham: While the rate environment is impacting traditional real estate, it can’t stop the onslaught of data center construction

 

Source: Apollo as of February 2026

 

 

JD: and it doesn’t look like that trend is stopping anytime soon

 

Source: Census as of March 2026

 

 

Brad: We’re back in an environment where bonds are doing nothing to offset equity pullbacks

 

 

 

John Luke: making them even less useful to portfolios than their historic returns would indicate

 

Data as of January 2026

 

 

John Luke: As seen in the US Olympic team’s gold medal-winning hockey game, a legit goaltender can free their team to be more aggressive on offense

 

 

 

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-2603-20.