The Market in Pictures, May 23

by | May 23, 2025 | Blog, Charts

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 rising yields and the economy, to earnings and tariffs and valuations. Enjoy!

 

Beckham: Rising yields is not just a U.S. phenomenon

 

Data as of 05.22.2025

 

 

John Luke: though if you look at the past couple of years, it’s just been a rolling series of shifting narratives

 

Source: Piper Jaffray as of 05.21.2025

 

 

John Luke: either way, there’s no escaping the sharp rise in borrowing costs for the U.S. government

 

Data as of 05.16.2025

 

 

Brad: The current rates yo-yo revolves around the ongoing news cycle of high tariffs vs. low tariffs, and how that might flow into the Fed’s rate plans

 

Data as of 05.20.2025

 

 

John Luke: Stepping away from the tariff discussions, conditions for a severe recession just don’t seem to be there

 

Data as of 05.19.2025

 

 

Joseph: and consumers in general remain in very good shape with respect to debt

 

 

 

Brian: Younger buyers continue to have a hard time entering the housing market

 

Data as of March 2025

 

 

Jake: which takes away a huge population of potential buyers in a market where prices have generally flattened

 

Data as of 05.16.2025

 

 

Brett: For the first time since before the tariff tantrum, consensus earnings estimates are rising

 

Source: @LizAnnSonders

 

 

John Luke: with Mag 7 stocks leading the way with generally strong outlooks coming out of earnings calls

 

Source: The Market Ear as of 05.19.2025

 

 

Dave: and that better relative earnings performance has narrowed the valuation gap between the Mag 7 names and the rest of the market

 

Source: The Market Ear as of 05.19.2025

 

 

Arch: The cost of money has historically impacted equity valuations more in periods of positive correlation between stocks and bonds

 

 

 

 

 

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-2505-21.

Advisory services offered through Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level or 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.

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aptus Capital Advisors (“Aptus”) and/or the individual Aptus Employee being interviewed as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Aptus reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that such assessments of investments will be accurate. There is no guarantee that strategies or recommendations will equal or exceed any expectations or goals discussed. The discussions, outlook, and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.

The opinions expressed herein are those of Aptus Capital Advisors (“Aptus”) and are subject to change without notice.

Aptus social media posts, including third party material, are provided for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security, product or service. Aptus posts are based on data obtained from sources believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed as being accurate and do not purport to be a complete summary of the available data. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Aptus does not endorse or take responsibility for any content, advertising, products, advice, opinions, recommendations, or other materials posted by followers or other third parties on Aptus’ social media sites. Any comments or opinions posted by another user should be attributed to that user and not Aptus.

Aptus is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Aptus including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available at www.aptuscapitaladvisors.com or by calling 251.517.7198.

Enhancing Outcomes

Your job is to help clients meet their goals. Part of that is capturing the compounding power of markets, part is making sure the path matches client expectations. How portfolios get from point A to point B matters.