The Beyond Markets podcast channel is wrapping up on a high note at the end of 2025. But do not worry! The conversation continues on our podcast Moving Markets by Julius Baer, where we'll be sharing fresh insights and analysis on current market developments.

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The S&P 500 index made new highs last week, and results​ from the Q2 US earnings season have been amazing. With 90% of companies having reported, the blended earnings growth (actuals for reported and estimates for companies yet to report) is 11.8%, versus the consensus of 4.9% y/y earnings growth estimated in June. Yet strangely, the percentage of S&P 500 stocks trading above their 50-day averages has fallen from 80% in early July to 56%. That means a smaller number of stocks are taking the index up today than was the case then. 

​We should never take averages​ as guaranteed outcomes for future performance. But for what it’s worth, August has historically been a “neutral” month on average, with a return since 1950 of zero. And September is the only month since 1950 with a negative average return.