Michael Kantro: Best returns often coincide with rising expectations and risk-on leadership

Michael Kantro: Best returns often coincide with rising expectations and risk-on leadership
Returns rise as expectations improve

Michael Kantro said that the best returns, coupled with the most risk-on leadership—characterized by higher beta and lower quality—usually take place during periods when expectations are improving. He cited this pattern as evident since mid 2025.

Kantro previously noted that corporate margins are surging as both cyclical and secular forces influence results, with gains extending beyond large-cap firms /news/market-voices/show/3769561-corporate-margins-rise-forces/. He also reported that the S&P 500 Macro Select index has climbed about 30% year to date, outpacing both the cap-weighted and equal-weighted indices /news/market-voices/show/3795499-sp500-macro-select-performance/. These developments provide additional context to the recent trend in risk-on market leadership.

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