Our team looks at a lot of research throughout the day. Here are a handful of charts we think are good summaries of investor activity, from an economy that’s keeping consumers spending, to the earnings and buildout behind it, a Fed conversation around possible hikes, and a reminder about timeframes and expectations. Have a great long weekend!
Brett: There is a wide variance of opinion on how fast this economy is actually growing
Graphic as of 09.03.2026
Beckham: and the consumer keeps voting with their wallet either way
Graphic as of 09.01.2026
John Luke: with hiring settling into a stable range of expansion

Brad: Analysts keep revising up instead of down, which is not how a typical year goes
Graphic as of 08.31.2026
Jake: though who actually keeps the cash depends on which end of the buildout you sit on
Graphic as of 09.01.2026
Brian: The source of spending driving the expansion is pretty clear
Source: Bespoke as of 09.02.2026
Ten: and it’s not just offices that aren’t getting built
Graphic as of 09.02.2026
John Luke: The next meeting is a real toss-up
Graphic as of 08.31.2026
John: and there is little agreement about the path beyond that
Graphic as of 09.04.2026
Brad: and the bond market won’t rally even when growth data disappoints

Mark: Corporate pensions are the quiet winners of higher stocks and higher rates
Graphic via The Wall Street Journal as of 09.03.2026
Dave: though the Treasury sits on the other side of that trade
Graphic as of 08.31.2026
Beckham: September’s reputation is well earned, but a tendency is not a rule
Graphic as of 09.01.2026
Joseph: any month pales in comparison to the longer-term opportunity of owning stocks
Graphic as of 09.02.2026
JD: and the real magic happens in compounding returns over longer period
Graphic via A Wealth of Common Sense as of 09.02.2026
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