CONVEX
Correlation Deep Dive

JPMorgan (JPM) vs Financial Sector (XLF): Correlation Analysis

Pearson correlation of daily returns for JPMorgan (JPM) and Financials (XLF). Rolling windows, yearly breakdown, regression beta, and divergence analysis. Data window spans to (1,262 aligned observations).

30-Day
+0.767
Strong positive
90-Day
+0.856
Very strong positive
1-Year
+0.785
Strong positive
5-Year
+0.854
Very strong positive

What the Number Means

With a correlation of 0.86, JPMorgan (JPM) and Financials (XLF) move together with remarkable consistency. A daily move in one is a reliable predictor of the direction of the other. This tight coupling usually reflects a common driver or a direct mechanical relationship.

Recent vs Long-Run Behavior

Last 90 Days
+0.856
5-Year Baseline
+0.854

Recent correlation tracks the long-run relationship closely. No meaningful divergence. The historical pattern between JPMorgan (JPM) and Financials (XLF) is intact and should continue to serve as a reasonable baseline for positioning.

Statistical Details (1-Year Window)

Pearson Correlation (r)+0.785
R-Squared (r²)0.616
Beta (JPMorgan (JPM) vs Financials (XLF))1.130
Daily Volatility σ(JPMorgan (JPM))1.30%
Daily Volatility σ(Financials (XLF))0.90%
Observations252

Correlation measures directional co-movement; R² quantifies the fraction of variance explained by the linear relationship. Beta is the slope coefficient from regressing JPMorgan (JPM) returns on Financials (XLF) returns. A beta above 1 means the first asset amplifies moves of the second.

Year-by-Year Correlation

YearCorrelationStrengthObservations
2026+0.855Very strong positive91
2025+0.846Very strong positive250
2024+0.842Very strong positive252
2023+0.787Strong positive250
2022+0.888Very strong positive251
2021+0.927Very strong positive168

Year-by-year correlation reveals how the relationship has held up across different macro regimes. Sharp year-over-year swings in correlation often mark the transition between stress and calm periods.

Rolling 90-Day Extremes

Most Correlated Period
+0.947
ending 2021-09-23
Most Decoupled Period
+0.680
ending 2025-12-09

Extremes in rolling 90-day correlation often coincide with regime changes, forced deleveraging, or the arrival of a dominant new macro theme that overwhelms normal relationships.

Methodology

Correlations are computed on daily log-adjacent returns for JPMorgan (JPM) and Financials (XLF), aligned on shared trading dates. We use the Pearson product-moment coefficient, which measures the linear relationship between two return series.

Windows are the most recent N observations for 30D, 90D, and 1Y (252 trading days); the 5Y figure uses all aligned data up to 1,260 observations. Beta is the OLS slope from regressing the first series on the second. Data updates daily with a 24-hour revalidation cadence.

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Get daily macro analysis on shifting correlations, regime transitions, and cross-asset signals.

Correlation is not causation and backward-looking statistics can fail when regimes shift. Positions sized on historical correlation assumptions should be stress-tested against scenarios where the relationship breaks. For informational purposes only.