The Market in Pictures, October 2

by | Oct 2, 2026 | Charts

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 Fed hike fears backing off, to leadership rotating beneath a steady index, strong earnings meeting slipping valuations and rising real yields, and households on solid footing. Have a great weekend!

Mark: Markets spent September bracing for the Fed to hike rates

 

 

Jake: But now the economy isn’t running quite as hot as it looked a week ago

 

Graphic as of 10.01.2026

Brian: and a range of inputs show stabilization vs. another big lift

 

John: and this month’s soft jobs report was enough to take some heat out of hike fears

 

Graphic as of 10.02.2026

 

Ten: leaving the consensus still expecting rates hikes but not quite as drastic as a week ago

 

 

Brett: Over in stocks, the index is hugging its highs even as the typical sector sits well off of them

 

Source: Briefing as of 09.28.2026

Beckham: as the first half’s winners handed the baton to its laggards last quarter

 

Source: Briefing as of 09.30.2026

Joseph: and software and semis are no longer joined at the hip as tech stocks

 

Source: Raymond James as of 10.01.2026

Dave: Some sectors are coming into Q3 with serious growth expectations

 

Graphic via Strategas as of 09.30.2026

Dave: with real top-line growth behind it, not just cost cutting

 

Graphic via Strategas as of 09.30.2026

Dave: and even small-caps are joining this growth party

 

Brad: Despite all that earnings strength, investors have been paying less for it lately

 

Brian: and the climb in yields is coming from real rates rather than inflation worries

 

 

 

JD: and Washington’s appetite for borrowing looks like a big reason why

 

 

JL: Taking a step back, the public debt pile looks a lot less scary next to household wealth

 

 

Brad: and households themselves have rarely been on firmer footing

 

John Luke: With the midterms just a month away, history offers a pretty encouraging roadmap

 

Source: Strategas as of 09.30.2026

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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. 

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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.

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