Since the beginning of 2026, gold prices have increased nearly 28% while the S&P 500 has only jumped 3%. To folks outside the investing world, the uptrend in gold prices is linked to geopolitical conflict or market volatility.
It only makes sense. When global unrest or periods of heightened market volatility occur, investors often scramble for a “safe haven” to protect their wealth.
It’s been a rough year for healthcare stocks. Are we due for a pleasant earnings surprise next week in the heath sector?
Historically, periods of growth or value outperformance are cyclical.
From 1980 to 1988, value mildly outperformed growth. From 1988 to 2000, it was the other way around.
From 2000 to 2007, value obliterated growth stocks.
More recently, it has been growth stocks that have carried the day for investors.
However, things may be changing…
While we are still very early in the Q4 2025 reporting season, it’s a good time to check in and see where things stand with companies on the S&P 500.
Around 13% of companies in the benchmark index have reported earnings so far. Of those companies, 75% have reported earnings per share above estimates.
Surprisingly, that is actually below the 5-year average of 78% and the 10-year average of 76%.
The bulk of the S&P 500’s operating margin increase has come from tech companies.
Tech companies have seen operating margins rise due to the scalability of software, aggressive cost-cutting (including layoffs), and the integration of artificial intelligence to boost efficiency.
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