Core Insights - The article discusses the current euphoric environment in the U.S. stock market, characterized by a fear of missing out (FOMO) among investors, leading to a surge in call option trading, which has reached a four-year high [2][6] - Analysts draw parallels between the current market conditions and the late 1990s, suggesting that while such exuberance typically signals reduced future returns, bubbles can persist longer than expected [5][12] Group 1: Market Sentiment and Indicators - The Barclays Stock Frenzy Indicator shows a sustained high bullish sentiment among retail investors, with a one-month moving average at approximately 14.3%, significantly above the long-term average [3][7] - Historical data indicates that when a significant proportion of stocks exhibit signs of euphoria, it often precedes a decrease in future returns [4][10] - The options market reflects extreme optimism, with a notable influx of call options driving key indicators to unusual levels, while the implied volatility of the S&P 500 has dropped to near historical lows [6][8] Group 2: Sector Performance and Trends - Investor optimism is primarily concentrated in a few high-flying stocks, particularly in the technology sector, with the Nasdaq Composite Index rising about 19% this year and the S&P 500 up 15% [8] - Stocks related to artificial intelligence, such as Nvidia and Broadcom, have seen significant gains of approximately 38% and 45%, respectively [8] - The strong demand for call options is creating a "positive feedback loop," where the purchase of call options leads to further stock buying by option sellers to hedge their risks, thereby driving prices higher [8] Group 3: Risks and Future Outlook - Despite the high market sentiment, historical trends suggest that such euphoria often precedes a slowdown in returns, with Barclays indicating that excessive bullish sentiment can lead to a pause in market momentum [10][11] - The article emphasizes the need for investors to balance the pursuit of gains with the potential for market reversals, as evidenced by the lessons learned from the late 1990s [12]
“有点像1990年代末!” FOMO压倒一切
华尔街见闻·2025-10-10 10:41