A high bar for earnings means the market reaction may be ‘varied and violent,' says Evercore. Here's what to do.

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that current stock valuations suggest that the market is priced for perfection, indicating a potential overvaluation of equities [1] Valuation Analysis - The strategist points out that the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios are at historically high levels, which raises concerns about sustainability [1] - There is a notable divergence between stock prices and economic fundamentals, suggesting that investors may be overly optimistic [1] Market Sentiment - Investor sentiment appears to be excessively bullish, with many expecting continued strong performance from equities despite potential economic headwinds [1] - The article highlights that this optimism may lead to increased volatility in the market if earnings do not meet elevated expectations [1]