The Market Ear
May 18, 2026
The Momentum Bubble Is Starting to Crack
Market ReportEquitiesMacro Economic IndicatorsInformation TechnologyIndustrials
The momentum factor, currently driven by AI-related stocks, is showing signs of exhaustion as hedge fund positioning and leverage reach historical peaks. Parallels to previous bubble years and a recent pullback in Asia suggest high risk for the broader market.
Key Takeaways
- 1.The current Momentum factor rally is heavily concentrated in the AI trade, specifically Semiconductors, Tech Hardware, and Capital Goods.
- 2.Hedge fund positioning and long leverage have reached historical highs, creating a crowded setup similar to 1998, 1999, and 2021.
- 3.Historical data shows that 3-month momentum rallies exceeding 20% are typically followed by a decline over the subsequent two to three months.
Table of Contents
- In the danger zone
- At highs
- Normal trajectory
- Not a good sign for the overall market
- Pullbacks do happen
- More on the risks
- It has already started
- It is an AI trade
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Securities
SPX
Themes
AI Trade CrowdingMomentum Mean ReversionHedge Fund De-leveraging Risk
Regions
Asia PacificNorth AmericaUnited States
