High-Risk Bull Market Continue

Bob Doll's weekly market commentary reviews recent market action and argues that the “high-risk” bull market persists despite growing warning signs.

Last week stocks were mixed: the S&P 500 slipped modestly while small caps and international markets outperformed; real estate, staples, and industrials led gains while financials and discretionary lagged.

Key risks highlighted include rising yields outside the U.S. Treasury curve, surging margin debt, widening spreads in the lowest-rated corporate bonds, and accelerating commodity prices — all of which could trigger the next risk-off phase if a catalyst emerges.

Despite these concerns, accommodative policy, solid corporate earnings (led by technology), and resilient global growth should sustain the risk-on backdrop for now — but investors should watch rates, credit spreads, and margin positions closely.

For a copy of this week Doll's Deliberations click on the following link January 20 or go to www.crossmarkglobal.com for additional insight and investment solutions.