This Week in Barrons: 10.18.2026

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-10182026-r-f-culbertson-myyce/

Factually: (a) The equal-weighted S&P500 continues to recover, but the cap-weighted index is being weighed down by semis.  (b) Small caps have really corrected, but there are reasons for optimism.  (c) Private equity stocks and margin debt are sounding warning signs.  And (d) the market remains skewed toward AI-related stocks.  Overall, per Callum Thomas: Markets are pragmatically bullish, but closely monitoring risks. Valuations are expensive.  Macro ’n Earnings continue to be supportive.  Monetary Policy is neutral, but leaning bearish.  Sentiment ’n Positioning are contrarian bearish.  And the Technical Charts remain in a bullish uptrend. Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-10182026-r-f-culbertson-myyce/ 

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This Week in Barrons: 10.04.2026

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-10042026-r-f-culbertson-43tbe/ 

Factually: (a) The S&Ps remain in a healthy uptrend, but the equal-weighted S&Ps (SPXEW) have seen a major correction.  (b) The key driver of the equal-weighted S&P pain is rising rates.  (c) The Risk Premium surrounding equities has fallen to generational lows.  And (d) Small Caps are seeing heavily crowded shorts - potentially delivering a short squeeze as a Q4 outcome. Overall, per Callum Thomas: The overarching trend remains up for stocks, but rising rates have inflicted severe pain on rate sensitive sectors. Continue to monitor downside risks for stocks as the cycle progresses, but also upside risk in small caps + other sectors. I still believe that global  commodity equities are the place-to-be right now.  My top picks include a Uranium company (UUUU) and Ivanhoe Electric (IE) because of their new copper mining project.  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-10042026-r-f-culbertson-43tbe/  

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This Week in Barrons: 09.27.2026

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-09272026-r-f-culbertson-tawke  

Factually: (a) The stock market has undergone a ‘stealth correction’ given the equal-weighted S&Ps are down more than 5% off their peak. (b) Market breadth has been beaten down, and traders have been raising cash. (c) Momentum stocks are regaining momentum, as profit margins are moving higher. (d) However, valuations remain a concern with several metrics still historically elevated.  Overall, per Callum Thomas: There are clear signs of an ‘under-the-covers pullback’ , which (optimistically) may be just the healthy reset the market needed before getting into a possible Q4 seasonal upswing.  Yet there are a number of things to watch for on the risk side: (a) Profit margin expectations are off-the-charts, (b) P/E ratios are in a danger zone, (c) Watch the rate of tightening vs inflation, and (d) World commodity equities are the place-to-be right now.  My top picks include several robotics companies along with Sunrise Energy Metal (SREMF) - a scandium miner.   Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-09272026-r-f-culbertson-tawke   

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This Week in Barrons: 09.20.2026

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-09202026-r-f-culbertson-jgwge/ 

Factually: (a) Tech stock ETF flows and Foreign flows into US stocks have recently reached record highs.  (b) CEO confidence, productivity and manufacturing measures, and freight data are turning higher.  (c) However, margin debt indicators are sounding a clear risk warning signal, and (d) Much of the market is heading into a buyback blackout window.  Overall per Callum Thomas: There is a lot of good news on the earnings and economy front as a broader cyclical upturn gets underway, but there are still lingering macro / geo-political risks.  And market warning signs like higher margin debt ‘n the upcoming buyback blackout window could derail this renewed optimism.  My top 3 picks continue to be crypto-related: HyperLiquid (HYPE), Near (NEAR), and Z-Cash (ZEC).  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-09202026-r-f-culbertson-jgwge/  

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This Week in Barrons: 09.13.2026

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-09132026-r-f-culbertson-qchxe/

Factually: (a) Stocks are seeing a bit of pre-Fed jitters. (b) Breadth has been steadily deteriorating across the board.  (c) Correlations, corporate bonds, and volatility suggest caution.  (d) Liquidity conditions are set to become a headwind for stocks.  And (e) Growth has peaked vs value == semis are stagnating (for now).  Overall, per Callum Thomas: there is a distinct bearish hue to the charts this week as technical risk flags wave all around.  There is a bullish way for this to resolve, and that includes stock allocations being in a forever higher percentage of household wealth as AI-enabled growth becomes higher and links with investor-education.  The bearish take is that we have seen this movie before.  And even if we agree with the optimistic slant, with valuations and allocations this high - the margin for error is very low.  Remember: If you’re priced for perfection, you’re always hoping for nothing less.  [FYI: Hope is not a Strategy.]  My top 3 picks are: IBM (IBM) over $237, Erickson (ERIC) over $10.38, and if you love to play options - you’re gonna adore Oscar Health (OSCR).

  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-09132026-r-f-culbertson-qchxe/ 

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This Week in Barrons: 09.06.2026

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-09062026-r-f-culbertson-7gkbe 

Factually: (a) The S&P500 has been experiencing some speed wobbles.  (b)  Seasonally speaking, this comes at about the time you’d expect.  (c) Credit markets are whispering a couple of concerns (tech and liquidity).  (d) Beware of boom-bust in tech/AI-land - particularly as borrowing blooms.  And (e) Profit margins have reached a record high (driven by tech).  Overall, per Callum Thomas: There are clearly some short-term wobbles underway, and aside from seasonality - there are a few risks to the downside like valuations, allocations, sentiment, and our FED acting as a catalyst.  The interesting upside scenario to ponder is: What if it all just works out?  My 3 PICKS for the upcoming WEEK are all crypto related: HYPE - that’s going to $120/share, NEAR that’s on its way to $15, and ZCash (ZEC) who’s target is $5,000.  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-09062026-r-f-culbertson-7gkbe 

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This Week in Barrons: 08.30.2026

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08302026-r-f-culbertson-tkewe 

Factually: (a) Investor sentiment remains bullish.  (b) Stock correlations have dropped to record lows.  (c) Volatility (VIX) is low when compared to seasonality and single-stock metrics.  (d) Semi-conductor stocks have peaked, and remain weak.  And (e) Software is looking stronger.  Is the software vs hardware trade reversing?  Overall, per Callum Thomas: The market’s mood is bullish due to some rotational trades, but the question has become: When does this consensus bullishness become complacency?  Keep your mind open, your eye on the charts, and your finger on the sell button - because a few volatility flags are flaring-up on the horizon.  My 3 TIPS are: (a) Buy physical silver, (b) Buy HYPE and Bitcoin, and (c) Nibble the XSW over $210.  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08302026-r-f-culbertson-tkewe 

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This Week in Barrons: 08.23.2026

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08232026-r-f-culbertson-7yecc 

 

Factually: (a) Global corporate earnings estimates are surging.  (b) Tech is seeing big insider buying and some heavy shorting.  (c) Energy, Gold, and Bitcoin (after seeing major ETF outflows) are all turning upward/green again.  (d) Within emerging markets, Indian stocks have been punished as an AI-loser.  And (e) The VIX is bouncing along the bottom of its range – with seasonality telling us that too shall rise.  Overall, per Callum Thomas: The global equities bull market looks alive and well, especially when you consider the surge in earnings expectations underpinning it.  U.S. tech stocks meanwhile are seeing mixed signals as a 3-month stall sets in.  And on the risk front, volatility is lurking in the shadows, with seasonality suggesting spikes in the VIX; therefore, keep some of your chips ‘close to your vest’ (aka the risks remain).  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08232026-r-f-culbertson-7yecc

 

Please feel free to read the blog post: #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

 

This Week in Barrons: 08.16.2026

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08162026-r-f-culbertson-7jjme 

 

Factually: (a) The equal-weighted S&P500 continues its upturn vs the cap-weighted S&P.  For now, that’s a good thing as it reflects a bullish broadening theme.  (b) Earnings revisions surge higher – partly supported by a strong macro environment.  (c) Sentiment & allocations remain high thanks to higher prices and confidence.  And (d) Seasonality, a stalling Mag-7 (Lag-7), and credit advances vs declines are suggesting caution.  Overall, per Callum Thomas: It’s a distinctly bullish looking environment = strong trend, strong breadth, good macro, and buoyant confidence, with a few shadows = risk of overconfidence, seasonality, stalling mega caps, and rising rates.  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08162026-r-f-culbertson-7jjme 

 

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This Week in Barrons: 08.09.2026

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08092026-r-f-culbertson-n1i5c 

 

Factually (a) Global equities are in a bull market (path of least resistance = higher).  (b) US equities are in a broad-based upswing.  (c) Investors are scrambling into tech stocks at a record pace.  (d) A calmer macro (limited Iran War) is keeping the lid on credit spreads.  And (e) BUT VIX seasonality is telling us to stay alert to any/all Q3 surprises – “Life comes at you Fast.”  Overall, per Callum Thomas, the global equity bull market rages on, and with supportive-benign macro – the path of least resistance is higher. Fair Warning: VIX seasonality and known tail risks suggest still having a plan and process on the risk management front…  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08092026-r-f-culbertson-n1i5c 

 

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This Week in Barrons: 08.02.2026

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08022026-r-f-culbertson-qn3mc 

 

Factually (a) The S&Ps closed July lower by -0.1%, but still up +9.4% YTD.  (b) Semiconductors have seen a +20% correction off their peak.  (c) Seasonality is showing semis remaining lower with elevated volatility.  (d) Even REITs and defensives are sounding a cautionary tone.  And (e) Resource-based capex is being crowded out by tech capex.  Overall, per Callum Thomas, the carnage that unfolded last week in semiconductors is probably setting up for consolidation and ranging phase (at best) vs the correction and resurgence like we saw earlier this year.  Multiple risk flags continue to wave so don’t be blindsided. Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-08022026-r-f-culbertson-qn3mc 

 

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This Week in Barrons: 07.26.2026

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-07262026-r-f-culbertson-wcnvc 

 

Factually, (a) The Mag-6 (minus Apple), the other 493, the cap + equal-weighted S&P500 have peaked.  (b) Seasonally speaking, market messiness / volatility is coming right on schedule.  (c) Retail trading behavior is consistent with the hints of regime change.  (d) A FED rate hike risk will simply mimic the global trend and weigh further on stocks.  And (e) A backdrop of expensive valuations and much lower free-cash-flow positions is damping any rally.  Overall, per Callum Thomas: There has been a distinct change in market tone this past week.  Geopolitical flare-ups, rising rates and AI/capex concerns are making markets wary.  Keep risk ‘front-of-mind’ – so you don’t get blindsided.  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-07262026-r-f-culbertson-wcnvc 

 

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This Week in Barrons: 07.12.2026

 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-07122026-r-f-culbertson-kqbte 

 

Factually, (a) Speculative trading in leveraged ETFs has surged.  (b) Investors are increasingly ‘all-in’ on stocks for their portfolio allocation. (c) The Fed is becoming more hawkish - echoing a global pivot to rate hikes.  (d) July through October tends to be a more volatile time of the year.  And (e) A long-term trend change is underway in US vs Global relative performance.  Overall, per Callum Thomas, multiple risk flags are waving as we head towards what has historically been a more volatile time of the year.  Risks are showing themselves both on the shorter-term = tactical front, and on the longer-term = bigger picture horizon.  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-07122026-r-f-culbertson-kqbte 

 

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This Week in Barrons: 07.05.2026

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-07052026-r-f-culbertson-trrrc/ 

 

Factually, (a) The equal-weighted S&P continues to make new highs, while the cap-weighted index remains stuck – thanks to the Lag-7.  (b) The S&P500 Value index also rung-up all-time-highs last week.  (c) Micro caps and financials are putting in promising price action.  And (d) the USA, Korea, and China have one large, AI, bubbly thing in common.  Overall, per Callum Thomas, the bull-market-broadening and bullish rotation theme continues to play through, with the old leaders lagging, and everything else starting pick up. This is a constructive development, but there are a few things to keep an eye on including the XLF vs SPY ratio, the Microcap ETF = IWC, and REITs.  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-07052026-r-f-culbertson-trrrc/

 

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This Week in Barrons: 06.28.2026

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-06282026-r-f-culbertson-wtize/ 

 

Factually: (a) The Mag-7 have become the Lag-7 with an almost -20% performance gap YTD.  (b) Across various indicators valuations look expensive.  (c) Strong earnings expectations are supporting high valuations.  (d) Tech stocks have become the dominant sector in many portfolios / metrics.  And (e) after a long period of trending higher, I’m expecting a period of range-bound-trading.  Overall, per Callum Thomas:  The bullish rotation theme remains in play as the Mag-7 decline and the S&P493 win.  But there is a definite bearish vibe where the Lag-7 may foreshadow an extended Bear Market – even if we manage a short-term rebound rally.  Please feel free to read the rest of the blog post:  #investing #stocks #bonds #options

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/week-barrons-06282026-r-f-culbertson-wtize/ 

 

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