A bit of an ICYMI from a GS note, this is not breaking - from overnight news.

Corporate buybacks are "plummeting"

  • Data used by GS shows that while Q2 S&P 500 share buybacks totalled USD161 bn, that is nearly 20% lower than in Q1
  • and circa down 17% y/y

As for the rest of the year, GS expect:

  • buybacks will drop 15% to USD710bn
  • and in 2020 down 5% 675 bn

There is a but though - the levels are still near record highs.

---

Buybacks have been one source of support for equity markets. not the only one though.