Market Traders Take High Stakes on Enduring Rally Amid Turmoil

Traders are increasingly taking on risky bets, fueled by optimism in the market boom and positive economic data. Cash and hedges are being replaced by demand for stocks, small caps, and meme stocks, while hedging metrics show low demand for downside protection. However, some experts caution that the euphoria may be overdone, and potential hazards still loom. The Treasury market has seen an expansion of short bets, and negative surprises could have an outsized influence. Nevertheless, the market momentum is strong, with revised upward targets for the S&P 500 and softened dire predictions from economists.