The recent VIX term structure chart reveals interesting insights into market sentiment around volatility heading into the 2024 U.S. election. Currently, we observe an initial drop in volatility expectations for December, followed by a steady rise through mid-2025. This structure suggests that while traders anticipate relatively calm conditions immediately surrounding the election, they expect volatility to pick up significantly afterward.

In 2024 U.S. corporate stock buybacks have reached unprecedented levels, making them an essential consideration for investment managers pursuing asymmetric returns. The latest insights from Goldman Sachs reveal that buyback activity, led by U.S. corporates, remains a significant force in the equity markets, promising to influence the market dynamics through year-end and beyond.

In the ongoing debate between active and passive management, there is a clear divergence in performance between equities and fixed income. Recent data reveals how active management excels in the bond market, presenting a strong case for investors aiming to achieve asymmetric risk/return profiles.

When a stock reaches an all-time high, there is no overhead resistance based on previous price levels because it hasn't traded above that price before. But there are several factors to consider regarding selling pressure and market behavior:

Inflation is close to the Federal Reserve’s target. While this doesn’t mean prices are going down, they are rising less quickly, and is why the Fed plans to lower rates.

With starting yields nearly two times higher than the average yield since 2010, investors could stand to benefit from attractive return potential in fixed-income/bond investments going forward.

As you evaluate your investment strategy, keep in mind the importance of adaptability and informed decision-making. The bond market holds substantial potential, and with the right approach, you can enhance your portfolio's resilience and performance in the months ahead.

After a central bank increases interest rates the economy often enters a recession in the years that follow. Historically bonds have performed well whether a recession occurs or not.

Navigating volatility through the lens of the VIX and SPX options presents tactical investment managers with unique opportunities. By understanding the asymmetries in risk and reward, traders can position themselves to capitalize on volatility while effectively managing downside risks. Continuous monitoring of market conditions and adaptability in strategy will enhance the ability to thrive in volatility-driven environments.

Tactical investment managers should be mindful of how these shifts in unemployment rates can impact various sectors. Historically, lower interest rates can lead to increased market activity, particularly in interest-sensitive areas such as real estate and consumer discretionary spending.

The relationship between the VIX and SPX options is a cornerstone of effective risk management in trading and investment. By understanding this dynamic, traders can better anticipate market movements, implement strategic hedging techniques, and optimize their portfolios for changing volatility conditions. Monitoring market indicators and employing various trading strategies based on this relationship can significantly enhance your risk management practices.

For asymmetric investment returns, when examining the yields on the long end of the yield curve, it's essential to consider three critical factors: growth expectations, inflation expectations, and term premium. Each of these elements plays a significant role in determining the equilibrium yield for long-term bonds.

Despite the Federal Reserve (Fed) lowering interest rates, the ICE US Treasury 20+ Year Index has declined -7.2% from its recent peak a few weeks ago.

Today, the VIX futures term structure offers some intriguing signals, particularly with its current shape and slope. Let’s dive into what the term structure is telling us and what it might mean for traders and investors.

What the Fear & Greed Index is Telling Us Today—and How It Can Be Used for Tactical Trading and Risk Management

As Hurricane Milton approaches Tampa Bay, it’s crucial to break free from the false belief that long stretches without an event mean safety. While it’s comforting to think that the past protects us, probability tells a different story. Each year carries its own risk, and the fact that Tampa Bay hasn’t had a direct hit in over a century doesn’t mean one isn’t coming.

Probability theory is a powerful tool that helps us understand the likelihood of events. However, when it comes to managing risks in real life—whether in finance, business, or disaster preparedness—simply understanding the probabilities of events isn't enough. Robust risk management often focuses on preparing for worst-case scenarios, not just the most likely ones. Here’s why pure probability sometimes conflicts with smart risk management.

Is the U.S. Stock Market at an Elevated Risk Level? What Can We Do About It?

As of today, the VIX futures term structure reveals an ongoing contango condition, as seen in the chart. The front month (October) futures contract is priced at 20.95, higher than the VIX Index (spot VIX) at 20.78. As we look further out in the curve, futures for November through May decline initially, bottoming out around December, and then start rising again, though still lower than the October contract.

The index's "Greed" reading suggests that while optimism is high, the market might be overbought, and corrections could follow if sentiment turns. For some, this can signal an opportunity to be cautious or contrarian.