Options indicate an 8-10% likelihood of a stock market crash in '26, but keep an eye on the Misery Index.
Market Probability of Decline: The options market indicates an 8-10% chance of a 30% or greater decline in the S&P 500 by 2026, aligning with historical averages of market crashes occurring approximately every 12.5 years.
Frequency of Market Crashes: Market declines tend to occur in streaks, with a notable increase in crashes from 1966 to 1982 compared to fewer occurrences from 1982 to 2019, influenced by the misery index, which has recently risen.
Impact of the Gig Economy: The gig economy is providing a buffer for job losses, as many workers are turning to gig jobs that offer better pay than unemployment benefits, contributing to a rise in self-employment and multiple jobholders.
Equity Market Valuation Concerns: Despite a backdrop of economic stress and a rising misery index, the equity market is considered overvalued, with caution advised against the consensus view of stronger growth and inflation leading into 2026.
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- U.S. Military Operations: The U.S. has initiated significant military operations in Iran recently.
- Strategic Importance: These operations are part of a broader strategy to address concerns regarding Iran's activities in the region.

Trump's Stance on Iran: President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's negotiation approach, indicating that they are not willing to compromise significantly.
Concerns Over Enrichment: Trump emphasized that there should be no enrichment of uranium by Iran, reiterating a hardline stance on nuclear negotiations.
Frustration with Current Negotiations: He conveyed that the current state of negotiations with Iran is unsatisfactory and does not meet U.S. expectations.
Overall Sentiment: Trump's comments reflect a broader frustration with Iran's actions and the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding their nuclear program.

Internal Review Findings: Capital Watch revealed that an internal review found insufficient independent verification processes related to the Court of Bordeaux's judgment, leading to erroneous associations with Hao Tang.
Retraction of Allegations: Capital Watch has formally retracted its claims of financial crimes against Hao Tang and other individuals, acknowledging inaccuracies in earlier reports regarding direct connections to alleged illicit activities.
Continued Analysis: Despite the retraction, Capital Watch maintains its stance on the complexity of AppLovin's financial structure and will continue to independently analyze public market data related to the firm.
Market Reaction: Following the retraction, shares of AppLovin experienced volatility, initially dropping but later gaining over 21% in the past year, reflecting mixed sentiment among investors.
- S&P 500 Milestone: The S&P 500 index has reached 7,000 points for the first time in its history.
- Market Performance: This milestone reflects significant gains in the stock market, indicating strong investor confidence and economic recovery.
Types of Market Crashes: Stock market bubbles can lead to two distinct types of crashes when they burst: sector-specific crashes and systemic crashes.
Sector-Specific Crashes: An example of a sector-specific crash is the dot-com collapse that occurred between 2000 and 2002, which primarily affected technology stocks.
Systemic Crashes: In contrast, systemic crashes impact the entire market, as seen during the financial crisis of 2008-09, where widespread declines occurred across various sectors.
Uniqueness of Bubbles: Each stock market bubble is unique, much like snowflakes, indicating that the circumstances and outcomes of each bubble's burst can vary significantly.




