Corporate America returned a record $1.2 trillion to shareholders in 2018, thanks to generous buybacks
S&P 500 companies returned a record $1.263 trillion to shareholders last year, according to data published Monday by S&P Dow Jones Indices.The amount is +37% higher compared to 2017. In that, share buybacks accounted for a record $806.4 billion.
Dividend payments over the fourth quarter came in at a record $119.8 billion, +3.5% higher from the three months ending in October. Share buybacks during the quarter were a record $223 billion.
For the full year 2018, Technology sector contributed to nearly a third (and the largest slice) of the S&P 500 buybacks at a total of $278.5 billion. Leading the pack was Apple which repurchased stock worth $74.2 billion.
Heatlhcare occupied the second spot for buybacks at $108.7 billion for the year, followed by Consumer Discretionary at $86.7 billion and Consumer Staples at $33.4 billion.
SPY sees MACD Histogram just turned negative
SPY saw its Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) turn negative on July 17, 2026. This is a bearish signal that suggests the stock could decline going forward. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 52 instances where the indicator turned negative. In of the 52 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a downward move at .
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In of 70 cases where SPY's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SPY declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .
The Aroon Indicator for SPY entered a downward trend on July 08, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on July 21, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SPY as a result. In of 72 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
SPY moved above its 50-day moving average on July 21, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SPY advanced for three days, in of 367 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .
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