September Stock Market Recap

Summary
  • Government shutdown likely; markets unshaken; historical downside limited.
  • Isolated labor market weakness is moderating expectations for future rate cuts.
  • AI trades are back; momentum and high beta stocks outperform.
  • Market gains are uneven with investors chasing themes.

Relatively Muted: Government Shutdown Volatility

With the October 1st deadline looming and no deal in sight, a government shutdown is likely. Since 1981, there have been 14 shutdowns, ranging in duration from 1 day to 35 days. 

Historically, reactions from the financial markets have generally shown limited downside.
Throughout September, the VIX and VIX1D stayed below 17, signaling no investor panic.


Isolated Job Market Weakness

Fed Chairman Powell cited labor market softness when delivering the ‘risk management cut.’
However, the economy and consumers remain resilient,
and until layoffs pick up, there are no immediate concerns.

Screenshot 2025-09-30 120344

Tamed Expectations for Rate Cuts

With job market weakness not reflected in the broader economy, financial markets have moderated their expectations for future rate cuts (proxied by homebuilder performance) following the Fed’s September move.

Dominant Factors: Momentum & High Beta

In this Goldilocks environment, past winners retook the reins, and high-beta stocks continued to march forward. Large-cap and Growth stocks saw modest advantages.


Source: BAS' calculation

AI Trades Make a Comeback

Following an August pause, AI trades have resumed.


Source: BAS' calculation

M7 Stocks Continued to Lead

Supported by strong fundamentals, high ratings persist for the Magnificent Seven,
with some upgraded by our proprietary models.

Screenshot 2025-09-30 132339-2

Value Earnings Catching Up;
Small-caps Getting More Expensive

Neither has broken the downward trend yet, but we see Value narrowing the earnings gap, while Small continues to lag further behind.

Screenshot 2025-09-30 140739

Uneven, Themed Market

Investors continue to chase themes, and returns remain highly disparate, with certain sought-after pockets of the market outperforming others (chart performances as of 9/26/2025).

Sectors in Favor

There are signs that sector returns are also being influenced by the AI theme.
(MTD as of 9/29/2025)

Screenshot 2025-09-30 143110

Chart of the Month - Gold Hits All-Time High

Driven by concerns over U.S. debt growth, gold received another boost from government shutdown volatility, reaching a record high in September.