Market Down 3 Days! Valuations Too High: Would You Hedge?

U.S. stocks have fallen for three consecutive days, with all three major indexes giving back their post-Fed September meeting gains. Strong economic data has added uncertainty to the future rate-cut path, while tech giants continue to show weakness. 1. Do you think this is a healthy pullback? 2. Do you agree with Powell that U.S. equities are overvalued? 3. Can upcoming earnings season justify the current lofty valuations? 4. Would you choose to take some profits or fully hedge your portfolio?

Here is a structured view of the situation, along with my views and a tentative tactical posture. (These are not investment recommendations, but rather a reasoned framework.) --- 1. Is this a “healthy” pullback? In my view, yes — and in fact I would prefer to see occasional corrective pressures in such a stretched market. Here’s why I lean that way: Supporting arguments for a healthy pullback Overbought conditions: The U.S. equity market has run strongly through September (helped by the Fed’s rate cut). At some point, profit-taking and trimming become natural. Valuation introspection: With many valuation metrics at (or near) extremes, a modest pullback helps “reset” investor expectations. Technical/composure: A shallow, controlled decline (say 3%–5%) is often healthier than letting sentime
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09-28
📉 Market Down 3 Days! Valuations Too High: Time to Hedge or Stay the Course? 🚀 Introduction – From Euphoria to Anxiety in 72 Hours It only takes a few red days to shift market sentiment. After three straight sessions of declines, U.S. stocks have erased their post-Fed September gains. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all pulled back, with tech giants leading the weakness. Why the sudden change? Powell’s warning that equities look “quite high by many measures” still lingers. Stronger economic data muddied the outlook for future rate cuts. Valuations stretched: Price-to-earnings ratios remain well above historical averages. So the question for investors is timely: Is this just a healthy pullback… or a signal to hedge portfolios against deeper risk? --- 1️⃣ The Bearish View – Valuations Too H

S&P 500 In 3, 6 Months As Fed FOMC Signal Mixed, Though Modestly Dovish

We saw US stocks notched fresh records on Thursday after the Federal Reserve returned to easing interest rates and signaled further cuts are coming. The $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ led the gains as Nvidia's $NVIDIA(NVDA)$ $5 billion bet on Intel (INTC) boosted spirits. The Nasdaq jumped about 0.9%, while the $S&P 500(.SPX)$ added 0.5%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI), which includes fewer tech stocks, moved up 0.3%. Here is a detailed analysis of the most recent Fed (FOMC) meeting, how hawkish or dovish it is, its likely impact on the S&P 500, projected paths over the next 3–6 months, and how investors might position accordingly. What the Recent FOMC Did &
S&P 500 In 3, 6 Months As Fed FOMC Signal Mixed, Though Modestly Dovish
Here’s my take — these are nuanced issues, so I’ll lay out what I see as the balance of probabilities (not certainties). You should treat this more as a strategic counsel than a prediction. --- 1. Is this a “healthy pullback”? I lean yes, it can be viewed as a healthy correction, though not without risks. Arguments supporting a healthy pullback: The U.S. indices had rallied sharply following the September Fed meeting, so some reversion was overdue. The downturn is relatively modest — losses over three days are not unusual in extended bull runs (and indeed, analysts have flagged that three-day declines following records happen with some regularity).  It may help shake out weaker hands, reducing froth and restoring some balance (liquidity, valuations, risk premiums) before the next leg
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09-24

Is the Fed Chair Sounding the Alarm on Stocks – Or Setting Up the Ultimate Year-End Surge?

$S&P 500(.SPX)$ $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ Jerome Powell dropped a bombshell, calling U.S. stock valuations "quite high" by multiple metrics, sending the major indexes into a quick retreat. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all erased gains and closed lower, with tech giants like Nvidia leading the slide amid broader concerns over inflated asset prices. This isn't just chatter – it's a direct hit on the investor confidence that's propelled markets to record highs this year. But here's the twist: history shows indexes love to climb into the final stretch of the calendar, often ignoring short-term jitters for a seasonal boost. So, is this pullback the start of a deeper correction, or merely a speed bump before a f
Is the Fed Chair Sounding the Alarm on Stocks – Or Setting Up the Ultimate Year-End Surge?

US Markets Saw Renewed Big-Tech Optimism but was Subsequently Affected by Mixed Fed Signals【CSOP APAC Mid-Week at a Glance】

East Asia  LCU YTD return: +25.33% ·         $CSOP LOW CARBON US$(LCU.SI)$ gained 0.76% in USD WTD and 25.33% in USD YTD. ·         WTD gains were led by IT, materials and industrials by subsector, and Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea by geography and TSMC, Samsung Electronics and Tokyo Electron by individual firm. ·         SAMSUNG rose after $NVIDIA(NVDA)$ approved its advanced memory chips for AI accelerators essential to training of AI models, enabling its 12-layer HBM3E product to compete with higher-end products. SQU YTD return: +8.06% ·      &nbs
US Markets Saw Renewed Big-Tech Optimism but was Subsequently Affected by Mixed Fed Signals【CSOP APAC Mid-Week at a Glance】

🔍 Historical Pattern: MAG7 Usually Rallies After Rate Cuts

With the Federal Reserve widely expected to cut interest rates at its September 2025 meeting, investors are closely watching how the so-called “Magnificent Seven” (MAG7) mega-cap tech stocks will react. These stocks—Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Alphabet (Google)—have been the primary drivers of U.S. equity market returns in recent years. But as monetary policy shifts, their performance trajectory could change.🔍 Historical Pattern: MAG7 Usually Rallies After Rate CutsHistorically, MAG7 stocks have tended to outperform in the months following the start of a Fed easing cycle. For example: $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$ surged 492% in the 12 months following the 2019 rate cut cycle. $NVIDIA(NVDA)$
🔍 Historical Pattern: MAG7 Usually Rallies After Rate Cuts
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09-25
📉 Powell Says U.S. Stocks Are Overvalued – Crash Ahead or Year-End Melt-Up? ⚡ Introduction – Words That Moved $50 Trillion Markets run on numbers, but they also run on belief. And when Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warns that “by many measures, U.S. stock valuations are quite high,” it rattles the very core of that belief. Almost instantly, the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow reversed course, extending losses. Powell didn’t announce new policy, but his words cut deep: Are investors paying too much for stocks at the top of the cycle? Now, with the S&P 500 near record highs and the calendar approaching the seasonally strong fourth quarter, the question looms: Crash or rally into year-end? --- 1️⃣ Why Powell’s Warning Hit Like a Thunderbolt Powell has spoken about rates, inflation,
avatarkoolgal
09-28

When The Rally Pauses: Hedging Hope In A High Valuation Market

🌟🌟🌟The US market saw 3 days of red, 1 day of green.    It has just danced through a week of emotional whiplash, rising Friday after a cooler inflation print but still closing the week lower.  The S&P500, Nasdaq and the Dow Jones Indexes all gave back their post Fed September meeting gains.  Jerome Powell's words linger like a warning bell: "Stocks are fairly highly valued".  Suddenly, the exuberance that defined 2025 feels fragile. Strong economic data, once a source of comfort, now casts doubt on the Fed's rate cut path.  Tech Giants - those symbols of innovation and comfort are stumbling.  Nvidia, Oracle and even Tesla have lost their shine.  Is this a healthy pullback?  Or is it the market's way of asking - Can earnings justify the hype?
When The Rally Pauses: Hedging Hope In A High Valuation Market

Weekly: Fedspeak and PCE to test stock market at record high

Last Week's RecapU.S. Market - Indexes at Record HighsMajor indexes: The S&P 500 (+1.22%), Nasdaq Composite (+2.21%) and Dow (+1.05%) closed the week at fresh record highs and posted their third (S&P/Nasdaq) / second (Dow) consecutive weekly gains, with the Nasdaq leading on tech strength. The benchmark average broke 6,600 and closed the week at 6,631.96. The small-cap Russell 2000 notched its seventh weekly advance.Fed rate cut: As expected, the Federal Reserve lower the policy rate by 25 bps (to a 4.00%–4.25% range) and signaled the possibility of additional cuts later in 2025. Powell’s press conference reiterated the Fed’s dual-mandate focus and emphasized labor-market risks. However, the "dot plot" projections showed policymakers were closely divided: Nine penciled in just one
Weekly: Fedspeak and PCE to test stock market at record high

Tech Stock Moves: AR, AI, Cloud in Sync!​ (META/GOOG/AMZN)

Meta's Market Watch: Leaks Ahead of Connect Event—AR Glass Ambitions in Full Swing?On September 15, $Meta Platforms, Inc.(META)$ shares edged up 1.2%, climbing from an opening price of $757.47 to a high of $774.07 before closing at $764.08 with a trading volume of 8.59 million shares. While seemingly unremarkable, this movement hinted at the buzz building ahead of the Connect conference.A single handshake in a crowd of ten thousand Left my sleeves fragrant for three years.First, the catalyst: Orion prototype leaked.Meta's upcoming Orion AR glasses were accidentally revealed in a leaked video ahead of Connect 2025. The footage clearly shows the Ray-Ban Meta glasses' HUD design—a monocular headset with a projected display enabling navigation, messag
Tech Stock Moves: AR, AI, Cloud in Sync!​ (META/GOOG/AMZN)

Fed Rate Cut, Ripple Effect On S&P 500 and Crypto?

Crypto tends to be hypersensitive to the liquidity cycle and real yields, so the Fed’s slower cut path has a nuanced effect. In this article, I would like to share how we would be breaking down the factors. Ripple Effect on Cryptocurrency Markets 1. Liquidity & Dollar Impact Three cuts in 2025 = gradual easing → liquidity improves, but not as fast as crypto bulls were pricing in. Only one in 2026 = Fed signaling that they want to keep real rates positive longer → limits “easy money” conditions. Implication for crypto: Bullish medium term: lower rates = reduced opportunity cost of holding BTC/ETH (non-yielding assets). But slower pace = less explosive upside → caps speculative froth. 2. Bitcoin / Ethereum BTC: Still likely to benefit as “digital gold” hedge in a gradual easing cycle. Th
Fed Rate Cut, Ripple Effect On S&P 500 and Crypto?

Is AI a "Disruptor" or a "Booster"? Examining the Symbiotic Grow On SaaS

Over the past few months, the market has been asking one question: Is AI the hammer that demolishes old structures, or the cement and rebar that builds upon them?This issue is particularly sensitive for companies like Workday and Intuit, whose business models fundamentally rely on subscriptions, seats, services, and specialized financial/accounting or human resources processes. The rise of AI brings both anticipation and anxiety, fueled by concerns that new AI agents and offerings could ultimately cannibalize traditional segments and dilute customer payment models.However, I have observed that several key events this week have begun to build a counter-narrative in reality.WDAY: AI Isn't About Disruption, but Integration and Expansion The acquisition of Sana, valued at approximately $1.1 bi
Is AI a "Disruptor" or a "Booster"? Examining the Symbiotic Grow On SaaS

DBS Recommends Strong Positioning in S-REITs; US Inflation Data in Focus After Fed's 25bp Rate Cut【CSOP Fixed Income Weekly】

【SRT】 As of 19 Sep 2025 (Fri), while $CSOP iEdge SREIT ETF S$(SRT.SI)$ slightly declined by -1.40% WTD in SGD, it rose 11.81% YTD in SGD. Following September's 25bp Fed rate cut and indications of further easing, DBS recommends strong positioning in Singapore REITs (S-REITs) due to their attractive yield and projected DPU growth. As Singapore’s 6-month T-bill yields drop to around 1.3%, capital may flow back into S-REITs, reigniting a Q4 rally. $CSOP iEdge SREIT ETF S$(SRT.SI)$ 2025 YTD Total Return: +11.81% 【MMF】 Fed delivered a 25bp rate cut at the September FOMC meeting as expected, with the dot plot signalling a further 50bp easing this year, which coincided with the bond market’s short-term expec
DBS Recommends Strong Positioning in S-REITs; US Inflation Data in Focus After Fed's 25bp Rate Cut【CSOP Fixed Income Weekly】
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09-16

Fed Rate Cut Sparks Rally Hopes Amid Tariff Triumph!

The market is buzzing as the Federal Reserve prepares for a 25 basis point rate cut tomorrow, fueled by Trump’s triumphant tweet declaring the U.S.-China trade meeting in Europe “went VERY WELL.” With the S&P 500 climbing to a new all-time high of 6,600 and the 10-year Treasury yield dipping to 3.80%, optimism is surging. Goldman Sachs hints at another cut by year-end, easing tariff fears that once rattled global markets. Could this dovish shift and trade thaw ignite a sustainable rally? What’s your 2025 rate cut forecast? Dive into the trends, sector shifts, and trading strategies shaping this historic moment. Market Momentum: Rate Cut and Trade Lift-Off The signals are strong: Rate Cut Expectation: 25 bps cut tomorrow, with a 70% chance of 50 bps, per market data, boosting S&P 50
Fed Rate Cut Sparks Rally Hopes Amid Tariff Triumph!

Bullish or Bearish Momentum After Most Optimistic Rate-Cut Expectations Mixed

The Fed's latest move—a quarter-point cut with a forecast of two more in 2025 but only one in 2026—presents a mixed signal. Here is a breakdown of the likely market dynamics and whether a bearish momentum is on the horizon. 1. What the Fed Did vs. What the Market Expected Fed Action: A quarter-point cut now, with guidance for two more in 2025 and only one in 2026. Market Expectation (before meeting): Futures pricing suggested investors were betting on faster and deeper easing (3–4 cuts in 2025). This creates a gap between expectations and Fed guidance. 2. Market Reaction Dynamics Equities: Stocks have been rallying partly on hopes of aggressive cuts → If the Fed signals a slower pace, the market may reassess valuations, especially in high-duration sectors (tech, growth). Bonds/Yields: Yiel
Bullish or Bearish Momentum After Most Optimistic Rate-Cut Expectations Mixed

Option To Trade SPY Whether Fed Rate Cut Priced In? Is Tariffs Concerns Over?

Investors largely believe that a Federal Reserve rate cut is imminent and have priced it into the market. This expectation, fueled by recent labor market weakness and steady inflation data, has been a key factor driving major U.S. stock indices to all-time highs. What the market seems to have priced in Fed rate cuts are expected As of mid-September 2025, markets are overwhelmingly anticipating a 25 basis point cut at the upcoming Fed meeting. There is also expectation of further easing, possibly more cuts before the end of the year. Some of this expectation is already reflected in bond yields, mortgage rates, etc., which have softened ahead of the official decision. Inflation and labor market are moderating, but remain concerns Weakening employment trends are one of the reasons for the bel
Option To Trade SPY Whether Fed Rate Cut Priced In? Is Tariffs Concerns Over?
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09-12

CPI Alignment Ignites Nasdaq Surge: Is the Next Bull Run Here?

$NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ $S&P 500(.SPX)$ The CPI hit 2.9% as expected, delivering no surprises and fueling a bullish surge for risk assets, with the Nasdaq soaring past 22,150 to a record high and the Dow Jones climbing to 40,980, also a new peak. The S&P 500 sits at 6,590, Bitcoin holds at $125,200, and the VIX drops to 13.80, while oil steadies at $74.20/barrel amid global calm. Posts found on X erupt with “Nasdaq moonshot” excitement, though some caution about “overbought signals.” With rate cut odds at 88% for 25bps and 11.8% for 50bps on September 17, the market’s optimism is palpable. Can rate cuts kick off a new bull market? How do you view both Nasdaq and Dow hitting record highs? This deep dive u
CPI Alignment Ignites Nasdaq Surge: Is the Next Bull Run Here?

Outside Nvidia: Storage and AI Hardware Are Semi's Game-Changer

While the market is still debating "who can outperform $NVIDIA(NVDA)$ ," another chain is quietly shifting—storage (HDD/SSD/NAND/DRAM) + AI server components + edge devices—is being propelled into the spotlight by a wave of inelastic demand driven by both massive models and data center expansion.Today's signals aren't isolated news events, but rather a four-part chain reaction: price hikes → supply tightening → institutions raising forecasts → capital following suit. This sequence includes SanDisk/NAND initiating price increases, Micron/DRAM/NAND implementing price jumps/withholding inventory alongside institutional upgrades, Western Digital and Seagate following suit with HDD price hikes, and leading equipment manufacturer ASML seeing internal bu
Outside Nvidia: Storage and AI Hardware Are Semi's Game-Changer
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09-20
📈 Wells Fargo Lifts S&P 500 Target — Rally Just Warming Up, or Already Priced In? 🔥 Wall Street just turned more bullish. Wells Fargo raised its year-end 2025 S&P 500 target to 6,600–6,800, up from its prior forecast of 6,300–6,500. That implies +4% upside from here — small in absolute terms, but significant when the index is already flirting with all-time highs. For some, this call confirms the bull run has more legs. For others, it’s the classic late-cycle optimism that often signals… the top. So which camp are you in? 🤔 --- 💡 Why the Upgrade Now? Wells Fargo points to two key catalysts: Fed easing: Markets expect at least one 25bps cut this year, with a second possible if inflation keeps sliding. Lower borrowing costs lift valuations and spur risk appetite. Earnings resilience: