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 a stellar earnings season to high dispersion, FOMC debate and energy (non) impact, to the benefits of owning innovation. Have a great weekend!
Brett: We’re passing through the peak of earnings season
Data as of 04.29.2026
Brad: and the results to date have been stellar
Data as of 04.29.2026
Dave: The aggregate picture for S&P 500 earnings just continues to rise
Data as of 04.27.2026
Jake: with a historically low % of companies reporting a shortfall
Source: Bespoke as of 04.30.2026
John Luke: The standout feature of this earnings explosion is that it’s building on healthy growth, NOT easy comps from a downturn
Data as of 04.27.2026
Beckham: supported by the key Mag 7 companies that have been growing throughout
Ten: We’re continuing to see stocks separate from each other based on individual context
Data as of March 2026
Brian: with tech the starting point for divergent outcomes across different stocks
John Luke: The opinions of FOMC members are as divided as they’ve been in decades
Source: Strategas as of 04.30.2026
John Luke: with inflation measures stable but solidly above the 2% annual inflation mandate
Data as of 04.29.2026
Brad: and the only clear consensus is that markets aren’t expecting many Fed moves
Data as of 04.28.2026
Mark: The impact of higher oil prices varies widely by country
Source: Apollo as of March 2026
John Luke: with US consumers impacted much less than in past episodes
Data as of March 2026
Joseph: Over the long haul, US innovation has been a major benefit to investors
John Luke: and in the near-term, lower taxes are putting money in the hands of consumers
Source: Strategas as of 04.27.2026
JD: Outside of AI, the strongest trend in spending might be government debt
Brian: Thankfully, the innovation noted above is empowering equity investors to outrace the government debt growth
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