Tuesday - May 26, 2026

Brian Szytel recaps the first trading day after Memorial Day as markets mostly rose despite fluid US-Iran geopolitical headlines, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing at fresh record highs while the Dow finished slightly lower after recovering from deeper losses. He notes strong rallies in semiconductors and AI-related tech, warning of potential exuberance as charts look parabolic, alongside lower oil prices and a drop in the 10-year yield to 4.49%. Economic updates included consumer confidence at 93 (above expectations) and a modest softening in the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which he attributes to affordability pressures but suggests a 2006-style collapse is unlikely due to supply constraints and high homeowner equity. He also addresses why S&P 500 dividend yield is lower, discusses the nuances of buybacks versus net share issuance, and explains a preference for rising dividend income over buybacks. 00:00 Welcome Back Overview 00:27 Geopolitics And Market Reaction 01:02 Tech Rally And Exuberance 01:36 Oil Rates And Deal Odds 02:38 Record Highs Year Context 03:09 Economic Data Confidence Housing 03:39 Housing Market Why Softening 04:29 S&P Dividend Yield Question 06:03 Buybacks Versus Dividends 06:58 Wrap Up And Disclosures Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com