Buyers Return but Conviction Is Thin — Hedge Before the Week Gets Loud

Markets are sending mixed signals: buyers showed up today, but the broader picture still leans cautious. RSI, a momentum gauge, sits at 44.1 — below the neutral midpoint, signaling weak upward conviction. Stock valuations remain stretched, with prices higher relative to earnings than in roughly 74 out of every 100 months since 2006. The 10-year Treasury yield has eased to 4.98%, offering some relief, but options are cheap right now — use that to buy protective puts on your equity positions before this week's calendar events move the market.