# Broad Market Rally Continues in Stocks Over 60% of stocks outperformed the S&P 500 in June and July. - **Source:** [The Big Picture](https://ritholtz.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-24 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/be14a9e7-43d2-4bd1-a1a3-d17fbe697a4f ## Market Breadth and Dispersion In June and July, more than 60% of stocks outperformed the S&P 500 index. This outcome reflects the broadening of the market. Dispersion, which measures the performance differences between stocks, reached historically high levels for the S&P 500. The equal-weighted index showed a similar trend in dispersion. ## Technology Sector Performance The equal-weighted technology index has outperformed its capitalization-weighted counterpart by 19% year-to-date. This indicates a rally beyond mega-cap companies. Additionally, around 85% of reporting companies exceeded expectations. ## Retirement Concerns Nearly half of Americans have no retirement plan. According to Federal Reserve data, those relying on Social Security could face a 22% benefit cut if the trust fund runs dry by 2032. This situation heightens concerns about retirement savings. ## AI and the Finance Sector At Wall Street's exclusive camp, concerns about AI trading were discussed. Money managers and economists gathered in Grand Lake Stream, Maine, to debate this issue. The impact of AI on the finance sector will remain a key topic in the coming years. ## Losses in Sports Betting In sports betting, players typically expect to break even but lose 7.5 cents per dollar wagered. Losses are especially high in parlay bets. These types of bets are more influenced by biases, leading players to underestimate their losses. ## The Economic Cost of Obesity A study on the social and economic effects of obesity in America found that GLP-1 drugs have created a natural experiment. Doctors promise improved mobility and metabolic benefits with these drugs. However, the most intriguing data lies in the social and economic returns of weight loss. ## Satellite Technology and Ukraine Drone teams in Ukraine now have access to near real-time information on Russian troop movements and locations. This technology provides a significant advantage on the battlefield and strengthens Ukraine's defense strategies. ## The Future of the Stock Market The broadening of the market and increasing dispersion offer important clues about the future of the stock market. A rally beyond mega-cap companies could present new opportunities for investors. However, issues like retirement savings and AI will continue to exert pressure on financial markets. ## Sources covering this story - https://ritholtz.com/2026/08/10-monday-am-reads-489/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._