empty
30.07.2025 10:48 AM
US equities: overbought territory or new normal?

While the US stock market pulls back from another all-time high, the Buffett indicator continues to set fresh records. To recap, Warren Buffett's indicator reflects the ratio of the US. stock market capitalization to GDP. It has now risen more than two standard deviations above the historical norm.

This image is no longer relevant

Typically, such a reading is interpreted by investors as a sign of market overvaluation and a potential correction ahead. However, it's important to remember that the Buffett indicator, like any other macroeconomic gauge, is not a definitive predictor of future market moves. It merely offers additional context for analysis.

It's crucial to understand that GDP is a backward-looking metric, reflecting past economic performance. The stock market, by contrast, is forward-looking, attempting to price in future corporate earnings and economic growth. As a result, discrepancies between the two can stem from investor expectations about the outlook.

Moreover, the market cap-to-GDP ratio is influenced by a wide array of factors, including interest rates, inflation, geopolitical conditions, and investor sentiment. Low interest rates, widely anticipated from the Fed, can support higher market capitalizations by making equities more attractive relative to bonds. Therefore, the Buffett indicator flashing "overbought" is far from a guarantee that the current bull cycle is nearing its end.

In the current environment, where the global economy continues to expand, albeit slightly slowed by Trump's tariffs, and central banks are still supporting liquidity, the stock market's overvaluation does not appear overly alarming. However, investors should remain vigilant and factor in the risk of a correction, especially amid rising inflation and potential monetary tightening.

It is also worth noting that the indicator has long exceeded the levels seen during the Dot-com bubble and the 2008 crisis. Similar readings were typically observed ahead of historical market crashes. Of course, historical analogies do not always repeat precisely. The structure of today's economy and financial markets is vastly different from what it was during the Dot-com era or prior to the 2008 financial crisis. For instance, the role of tech companies in shaping GDP and market capitalization is now significantly greater. Furthermore, globalization and the interconnectedness of financial markets mean that the Buffett indicator may no longer be an accurate reflection of the real state of the US economy.

That said, the current market condition could persist for a prolonged period, and equities may continue climbing, especially given that, sooner or later, the Fed is expected to begin cutting interest rates from the current 4.5% level.

As for the technical setup on the S&P 500, the key task for buyers today will be to overcome the nearest resistance level of $6,385. A breakout would support further growth and open the door for a move toward $6,392. Another top priority for bulls will be gaining control over the $6,400 level, which would reinforce buyer positions. If the market moves lower on fading risk appetite, buyers will need to defend the $6,373 zone. A breakout of this level would quickly drag the instrument back to $6,364 and potentially pave the way to $6,355.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Summary
Urgency
Analytic
Pavel Vlasov
Start trade
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Stock market on August 20: S&P 500 and NASDAQ faced heavy sell-off

By the end of yesterday, US stock indices closed mixed. The S&P 500 fell 0.59%, while the Nasdaq 100 dropped 1.46%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.02%. The sell-off

Jakub Novak 10:26 2025-08-20 UTC+2

Stock Market on August 19: SP500 and NASDAQ stuck within range

As of yesterday, US stock indices closed mixed. The S&P 500 slipped 0.01%, while the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.03%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.08%. Equities traded

Jakub Novak 09:01 2025-08-19 UTC+2

S&P 500 Forecast for August 19, 2025

S&P 500 On the daily chart of the S&P 500 index, a reversal "nine" has formed for the fifth time in a row according to the Sequential indicator (T. DeMark)

Laurie Bailey 05:29 2025-08-19 UTC+2

Stock Market on August 18: SP500 and NASDAQ await fresh drivers

Last Friday, US stock indices ended the session in decline. The S&P 500 slipped by 0.20%, Nasdaq 100 lost 0.40%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed a modest gain

Jakub Novak 09:08 2025-08-18 UTC+2

US stocks extend gains as S&P 500 and Nasdaq edge higher

On August 15, the US stock market extended its strong rally, with the major indices closing slightly higher. The S&P 500 gained 0.03%, the Nasdaq 100 added 0.01%

Jakub Novak 09:22 2025-08-15 UTC+2

Stock market on August 14: S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new all-time highs

At the end of yesterday's session, US stock indices closed higher. The S&P 500 gained 0.32%, while the Nasdaq 100 rose by 0.14%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1.04%

Jakub Novak 08:54 2025-08-14 UTC+2

Stock market on August 13: S&P 500 and Nasdaq rally on inflation data

By the end of yesterday's session, US stock indices closed higher. The S&P 500 rose by 1.13%, while the Nasdaq 100 jumped by 1.39%. The industrial Dow Jones gained 1.10%

Jakub Novak 09:26 2025-08-13 UTC+2

Stock market on August 12: S&P 500 and Nasdaq edge lower

US stock indices ended yesterday's session with losses. The S&P 500 fell by 0.25%, while the Nasdaq 100 slipped by 0.30%. The industrial Dow Jones dropped by 0.45%. However

Jakub Novak 09:29 2025-08-12 UTC+2

Stock market on August 11: S&P 500 and NASDAQ return to growth

Last Friday, US stock indices closed higher. The S&P 500 gained 0.78%, while the Nasdaq 100 added 0.97%. The industrial Dow Jones rose by 0.47%. Today, US and European stock

Jakub Novak 08:12 2025-08-11 UTC+2

Stock market on August 8: S&P 500 and Nasdaq see minor correction

As of yesterday's close, US stock indices finished mixed. The S&P 500 fell by 0.08%, while the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.35%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.51%. European

Jakub Novak 10:15 2025-08-08 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.