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Another big cost for data centers: insurance! You always hear about the obvious expenses involved in building data centers: incredibly expensive chips, massive energy requirements, cooling systems, and the cost of constructing the facility itself. But there's another major expense that doesn't get nearly as much attention: insurance. Once completed, a large data center can be worth anywhere from $20 billion to $50 billion or more. Meta's data center project in Northeast Louisiana, for example, is expected to cost more than $50 billion and will house thousands of servers along with extremely valuable power and cooling infrastructure. In the rush to build data centers, many hyperscalers and other companies have located facilities in areas where real estate is relatively inexpensive. The problem? An estimated 40% of U.S. data centers are located in tornado-prone areas. I guess some companies didn't think quite that far ahead. For insurance companies, this could become a massive market. The potential insurance premiums associated with data centers could eventually be 4–5 times the current global aviation insurance market. Data centers could become some of the most valuable insured assets in the world. And insuring them won't necessarily be cheap. An average cost of around $20 billion for a data center will exceed the insurance cost for bridges, tunnels, and skyscrapers. There's very little historical data showing how these massive facilities will perform during extreme weather events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Companies also want coverage for risks like equipment failures, business interruption and even terrorism, all of which can add significantly to premiums. So, there's yet another enormous cost that hyperscalers must absorb on top of the hundreds of billions of dollars they're already spending to build out AI infrastructure. The big question I still have is: How are companies ultimately going to recover all of these costs? The AI infrastructure buildout is becoming more expensive by the day. I'm sure glad we own an insurance company in our portfolio. AI has taken scamming seniors to a whole new level The Federal Trade Commission estimates that roughly $196 billion was lost to fraud, with nearly half of that or about $82 billion coming from people over the age of 60. It's now estimated that roughly 37% of fraud involves artificial intelligence. The cases are frightening because scammers can now use AI to identify targets, make their pitches more convincing, execute scams faster, and target thousands of people at a scale we've never seen before. With AI, scammers can create what appears to be legitimate proof of identity, including realistic passports, driver's licenses, websites, and other documents. Gone are the days when scams are easy to spot because of grammatical errors, thick accents on phone calls, or obviously fake videos. And it goes far beyond dating scams. Imagine getting a phone call saying that your daughter witnessed a major drug deal and has been taken by traffickers unless you come up with $20,000. That sounds unbelievable, until they put your daughter on the phone, and you hear her voice, panicked and pleading for help. The problem? It isn't actually your daughter. It's an AI-generated voice that sounds just like her. So how do you protect yourself from AI fraud? One major red flag is a demand for cryptocurrency. Another is the pressure to keep the situation secret. Scammers often tell you not to contact anyone because they want to isolate you and prevent someone else from recognizing the scam. Scammers are becoming so bold that some will even show up in person pretending to be federal agents with fake badges and credentials. Remember this: The federal government will not demand that you hand over cash, cryptocurrency, gold bars, or other assets simply because someone claims to be a federal agent. If someone claims to be a federal agent and wants to meet at your home, you can always ask to meet at their office instead. A legitimate agent should have no problem with that. If someone is pressuring you to act immediately, keep it secret, and hand over money or valuables, stop and verify who you are dealing with before doing anything. AI is making scams more convincing than ever. The best defense may be simply slowing down long enough to question what you're being told. The Housing Market Has a Rate Problem Existing-home sales fell 2% in August to an annualized pace of 3.98 million homes, the lowest level since June 2025. Sales are now down 1.2% from a year ago and have remained stuck around the 4 million annualized level for much of the past few years. Historically, a more normal housing market has been closer to 5.2 million existing home sales annually. At the same time, we are finally seeing more inventory. There were 1.62 million existing homes for sale in August, up 5.9% from a year ago and the highest level since 2019. That represents about 4.9 months of supply, which is the highest level in over a decade. This gives buyers more choices and more negotiating power than they've had in quite some time. But here's the problem: home prices aren't falling. The median existing home price rose 1.6% from a year ago to $429,100. So, buyers are dealing with a combination of high home prices and high borrowing costs. And I think one of the most important things to watch is the 10-year Treasury. A lot of people assume mortgage rates are primarily determined by the Federal Reserve. That's not really the case. The 30-year fixed mortgage is heavily influenced by longer-term Treasury yields, particularly the 10-year Treasury. The 10-year Treasury recently approached 5%, reaching its highest level since 2023. As the 10-year moves higher, mortgage rates generally move higher as well. The 30-year fixed mortgage climbed over 7%. The last time the 30-year fixed mortgage was at 7% or higher was May 26, 2025, when it reached 7.02%. That's a big deal for affordability. A buyer who could comfortably afford a $500,000 mortgage at 5.5% has a substantially different purchasing power at 7%. Higher rates can push buyers to either purchase a less expensive home, put more money down, or simply stay on the sidelines. I don't think the current data points to a traditional housing crash. We don't have the same combination of excessive speculation, massive overbuilding, and widespread distressed selling that characterized 2008. Instead, we're seeing a housing market that is essentially frozen by affordability. The big question going forward isn't just what the Fed does. Watch the 10-year Treasury. If the 10-year moves meaningfully lower, mortgage rates could follow, and housing activity could improve. But if the 10-year stays near 5% or moves above it, don't be surprised if 30-year mortgage rates remain around 7% and housing continues to struggle. For buyers, the good news is that inventory is improving, and negotiating power is coming back. The bad news is that the cost of financing remains extremely high. Housing may finally be shifting from a seller's market toward a buyer's market, but that doesn't necessarily mean homes are getting cheaper. How will Apple stock do under new CEO John Ternus? Apple has turned a new page in its history books with Tim Cook stepping down after 15 years at the helm. Cook did a tremendous job managing the business and growing the stock mainly by improving the supply chain to overseeing the launch of products like the Apple Watch and AirPods. During his 15-year tenure, Apple stock increased roughly 2,680%, which is a phenomenal return for investors. This reminds me of another major business story that was incredibly successful: General Electric under the leadership of Jack Welch. Welch ran GE for 20 years, from 1981 to 2001. During his tenure, GE stock increased roughly 4,000%. Yes, that was over five more years than Cook's tenure at Apple, but I doubt Apple would have produced another 1,300% return if Cook had stayed for five additional years. At the end of both CEOs' tenures, however, their companies had one major similarity: very high valuations. The comparison is a little scary. When Jack Welch left GE in 2001, the stock was trading at roughly 30 times earnings. This was during the dot-com bubble, when the S&P 500 was trading at about 36 times earnings. When Tim Cook left Apple, Apple was trading at roughly 37 times earnings, while the S&P 500 was around 29 times earnings. Those are very high valuations, especially considering we're also experiencing what could be an AI bubble. When Welch stepped down in 2001, his hand-picked successor, Jeffrey Immelt, took over. From 2001 through 2017, GE stock generated a total return of roughly -27%. Yes, investors actually lost 27% over 16 years. Apple is an incredible business with an enormous ecosystem, tremendous cash flow, and some very valuable brands. But Ternus is taking over at a time when expectations are extremely high. Apple does have some interesting things coming. The company announced a new foldable iPhone on September 9, along with an updated Siri and other AI improvements. But I personally didn't think the event was a big deal. The bigger question is whether consumers are really willing to spend around $2,000 on a new, foldable iPhone. And perhaps even more importantly, will AI actually create the upgrade cycle that Apple investors are expecting? There are also potential headwinds from significantly higher chip costs, which could push up the prices of iPhones and other Apple devices. I remember talking to people years ago about potentially selling some GE stock and diversifying. The response I often heard was, "Don't touch my GE stock." I'm hearing very similar stories about Apple today. The big question is whether history repeats itself with Apple like it did with General Electric. I don't know if it will. But I am pretty confident about one thing: Apple shareholders are very unlikely to see anything close to the returns they experienced under Tim Cook over the next 15 years. A Fed Rate Hike Now Looks Inevitable We received two important inflation reports this past week, and my takeaway is pretty straightforward: inflation itself still doesn't look overly problematic, but there are some areas that have me concerned. The Producer Price Index showed wholesale prices increased 0.4% in August. Producer prices are now up 5.4% from a year ago, which was slightly above expectations. Then on Friday, we got the Consumer Price Index, which showed consumer prices increased 0.4% in August and are up 3.4% over the last year. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3% for the month and 2.4% over the past year. Those numbers aren't exactly what the Fed wants to see, but I also don't think we're looking at runaway inflation. What concerns me more are two specific areas: diesel prices and the enormous AI buildout. Diesel is a major problem because it works its way through virtually every part of the economy. The national average price of diesel has now climbed above $6 a gallon for the first time ever and is up from around $3.70 this time last year. In California, diesel is now around $8 a gallon. That's not just a problem for people who drive diesel trucks. Higher diesel prices increase the cost of transporting goods, operating farm equipment, shipping products, and ultimately getting those products onto store shelves. The other issue I'm watching is the AI infrastructure buildout. We're seeing an extraordinary amount of capital being committed to data centers, chips, power generation and related infrastructure. I'm concerned that if companies continue spending at this pace, it could create further upward pressure on costs, particularly for energy, construction, memory, and financing. So, while I don't think the current inflation numbers are particularly alarming by themselves, I don't think we should ignore the inflationary pressures building underneath the surface. The market has already pushed the probability of a hike extremely high following these inflation reports and on Friday odds were close to 90%. At this point, if the Fed doesn't hike, it risks surprising the market and potentially damaging its credibility. The bigger question isn't whether they hike next week. It's what they do after that. If diesel prices continue to rise, and the AI buildout continues to put pressure on energy and other resources, the Fed may have a much harder time getting inflation back to its 2% target than the headline numbers currently suggest. Inflation isn't my biggest concern right now. It's whether inflation is stuck and how do we get it lower from here. Financial Planning: Tax Exemption for Retired Military California military retirees may now be eligible for a valuable new state tax break. Through tax year 2029, California allows qualified taxpayers to exclude up to $20,000 of military retirement pay from California for taxable income. The provision applies to retirement pay received from the federal government for service in the uniformed services, as well as qualifying annuity payments from the Department of Defense Survivor Benefit Plan. To qualify, the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income must generally be $125,000 or less for single filers or $250,000 or less for married couples filing jointly. This is an income exclusion, not a $20,000 tax credit, meaning it reduces the amount of income subject to California tax. For someone in the 9.3% California tax bracket, the maximum potential savings is $1,860. Eligible taxpayers claim the adjustment when filing their California return, generally through Schedule CA. Income planning is especially important for military retirees because there is no phaseout, if income exceeds the applicable limit, the entire exclusion is lost. Company Discussed: Lululemon athletica inc. (Ticker: LULU)
The government is selling 30-year bonds with interest rates at a quarter-century high. We talk with Greg Ip at the Wall Street Journal about how that could be a warning from investors over stubborn inflation and mounting debt. Also in this episode, we look at how energy prices shape the Producer Price Index, rising prices for retailers, and coal slipping as an energy source, before diving into infrastructure with a look at Puerto Rico's water crisis and solar panel installation in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Read the stories in today's episode:Inflation cools for producers in JulyHow small business owners are dealing with rising costsCoal still behind natural gas, renewables in electricity productionHow one restaurant is navigating Puerto Rico's water crisisFree solar panels and home batteries? Ann Arbor's trying it out
P.M. Edition for Aug. 13. The U.S. is sending a fresh aircraft carrier to the Middle East amid growing concerns over living conditions aboard the carrier currently stationed there, the USS Abraham Lincoln. Plus, seven months into the U.S. energy blockade against Cuba, everyday people are struggling to sleep in the heat and to afford food as blackouts persist. We hear from Journal reporter José de Córdoba about what he is hearing from people across the country. And the proliferation of restaurant reservation apps have made it a nightmare for diners to get a table at a buzzy restaurant. Reporter Heather Haddon explains why restaurants keep doing business with the apps. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The government is selling 30-year bonds with interest rates at a quarter-century high. We talk with Greg Ip at the Wall Street Journal about how that could be a warning from investors over stubborn inflation and mounting debt. Also in this episode, we look at how energy prices shape the Producer Price Index, rising prices for retailers, and coal slipping as an energy source, before diving into infrastructure with a look at Puerto Rico's water crisis and solar panel installation in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Read the stories in today's episode:Inflation cools for producers in JulyHow small business owners are dealing with rising costsCoal still behind natural gas, renewables in electricity productionHow one restaurant is navigating Puerto Rico's water crisisFree solar panels and home batteries? Ann Arbor's trying it out
U.S. stock index futures rose ahead of wholesale inflation data and corporate earnings, according to Yahoo Finance. The Producer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is in focus because it informs Federal Reserve policy expectations and can move Treasury yields. Management commentary during earnings will address pricing power, wage trends, input costs, and capital spending. Contract clauses tied to PPI may adjust supplier pricing and margins for operators. Founders should review pricing escalators, supplier exposure, and interest rate sensitivity, and consider locking in key quotes or fixing portions of debt. Watching core PPI, services components, and post-release yield moves can guide near-term decisions on hiring, inventory, and capital expenditures.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's episode includes a look into the shifting role of Bill Pulte in Washington D.C. Plus, Robbie interviews JazzX's Jagjit Singh on how close the mortgage industry truly is to the end-to-end mortgage. And we close by going through the latest Producer Price Index figures, which reveal inflation at the wholesale level.Thank you to JazzX, the first true end-to-end AI platform built for mortgage. From application to underwriting, JazzX is a new operating model that helps you scale growth, boost productivity, and transform how your team performs.The Chrisman Commentary is your go-to daily mortgage news podcast, where industry insights meet expert analysis. Hosted by Robbie Chrisman, this podcast delivers the latest updates on mortgage rates, capital markets, and the forces shaping the housing finance landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just looking to stay informed, you'll get clear, concise breakdowns of market trends and economic shifts that impact the mortgage world.
The Paychex Business Series Podcast with Gene Marks - Coronavirus
A sharp spike up to 6% for the Producer Price Index has podcast host Gene Marks expressing concern over the pending price hikes for goods for the remainder of 2026. He offers some suggestions to help employers and their employees. As the World Cup soccer tournament nears its start in North America, one U.S. host city's restaurant group is proposing a mandatory tip percentage so staff don't get stiffed by visitors from non-tipping cultures. And Anthropic launches Claude for Small Business, which Gene notes is a great way to help implement AI. Listen to the podcast. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:51 – Producer Price Index Spikes 03:50 – Tipping Proposal for World Cup Events 06:48 – AI Training by Claude for Small Business 09:24 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.
It's Tuesday, May 19th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Another British preacher arrested in London Another British pastor has been arrested for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the streets of London. Pastor Steve Maile was singing, preaching the Good News, and calling on Muslims to be saved when he was arrested by the police. Pastor Steve told Fox News Digital, "It's called inciting religious hatred — which is false. … The cross of Christ is a message of hope, love, mercy, and reconciliation to a fallen world. ... How could that be hate?" Not much has changed since the Prophet Amos spoke these words: “They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly.” (Amos 5:10) Three Christian pastors killed in Manipur, India The Manipur, Indian Baptist Convention is condemning the death of friend and pastor Reverend Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, who was shot and killed along with Pastors Lhouvum and Paogoulen in an ambush which took place on May 13th. Manipur State is located in Northeast India in a mostly hilly area, where the percentage of Christians has risen from 19% in 1960 to 41% in 2011, equaling the percentage of Hindus which dropped from 62% to 41%. The Baptist group noted “This senseless violence is a grave attack on humanity, peace, and religious harmony. The tragic loss of such devoted leaders who dedicated their lives to serving God, the Church, and society, is not only a loss to the Christian community, but also to the people of Manipur as a whole.” The Worldview received pictures of the scene from Christians who witnessed the killings. The Baptist Convention is pleading with the government of India to “seriously look into the matter to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation, and ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice without delay.” Send a 2-sentence letter to Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, asking that he hold the killers accountable. Send it to: Embassy of India, 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008. Or you can email him: psamb.washington@mea.gov.in Ebola virus outbreak claims 80 lives in Uganda Another Ebola virus outbreak has surfaced in Congo, Africa. So far, 80 people died this time. At least two cases of Ebola have been detected in Kampala, Uganda as well, according to the World Health Organization. That's the worst outbreak since 2020. Those who contract the Ebola virus have a 50% chance of dying. Right-wing Vox Party makes gains in Spain The far-right, nationalist Vox Party gained some ground in Spain's election over the weekend. The conservative party will be forced to build a ruling coalition with the Nationalists to establish a new government for that European nation. At last count, 15 European nations have experienced a surge in anti-immigrant nationalism. However, that's not necessarily a return to Christian values or pro-life values. Death tolls in the U.S.-Iran War and Russ-Ukrainian War Here's an updated list of death tolls for recent wars. * 3,000 deaths in Lebanon as reported by the BBC. * 1,700 Iranian citizens are reported to have been killed in the recent US-Israeli war on Iran. * Thirteen U.S. military personnel also gave up their lives in this war. * While estimates vary for the Russian-Ukrainian War, the best estimates we can find are 16,000 Ukrainian civilians and about 400 Russian civilians have been killed in that war. Worse yet, anywhere from hundreds of thousands to 3,000,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have given up their lives in this conflict. Jeremiah 25:32-33 speaks of God giving nations over to the devastation of war: “Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Behold, disaster shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the farthest parts of the Earth. And, at that day, the slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the Earth even to the other end of the Earth.” Two teens killed three at Islamic Center in San Diego On May 18th, two teenagers killed three adults at the Islamic Center of San Diego including two staff members and a security guard, reports Fox News. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said that the two suspects involved in the shooting, ages 17 and 19, are both dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. He also added these additional details. WAHL: “At about 11:43am, we received a call of an active shooter at the Islamic Center. Within four minutes, officers arrived on scene and observed immediately three deceased, what appeared to be deceased, victims out in front. They immediately began to deploy with an active shooter response into the mosque and adjacent school.” Wahl said the security guard “played a pivotal role” in preventing the attack from becoming even worse. GOP Senator Bill Cassidy lost primary in Louisiana Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy was ousted in Saturday's primary election. The longtime senator came in with a dismal 25% support. He had served as a Congressman for six years and a Senator for 11 years. Cassidy was known for both his reluctance to support the Trump agenda and challenging Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his confirmation to be Health and Human Services Secretary. Plus, Cassidy was one of seven GOP senators to vote to convict President Trump in his second impeachment trial on February 13, 2021 after he had already finished his first term. The vote was 57-43. Louisiana Republicans will now pick between Congresswoman Julia Letlow, whom Trump endorsed, and State Treasurer John Fleming in the upcoming run-off since neither one secure 50-plus percent of the vote. New acting FDA Commissioner worked as Planned Parenthood attorney The new Acting Commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration, Kyle Diamantas, previously worked as an attorney for Planned Parenthood. Now he says he regrets taking on the role. Diamantas told Live Action that he was assigned a case for Planned Parenthood, and, despite his opposition to abortion, he took the case. However, he later regretted his decision and asked to be recused. Diamantas also confirmed that a review of the Abortion Kill Pill is a top priority for the department. Deficits and cost of living in America are up And finally, the U.S. Office of Budget and Management is estimating a national deficit of $2 trillion for this fiscal year. That's up 15% from Fiscal Year 2025 — the last year for which the Biden administration was responsible. The Core Producer Price Index for this country has topped 5.2% —on a steady increase since last summer. The Producer Price Index stood at 2% in January of 2024, before the 2024 elections. Food prices are up 32% since 2020. That's an annualized whopping 4.7% per year — a pinch on the average middle class family. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, May 19th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: due to the time difference in Beijing, President Trump and Chinese President Xi are currently meeting and pundits are discussing what might or might not be discussed; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Producer Price Index and Core Producer Price Index; within the Consumer Price Index discussed yesterday, electricity demand is a big factor; President Trump is floating the idea of a federal gas and diesel tax holiday, pushback is coming from unlikely sources; Oil and gas prices continue their wild ride while waiting on results from Beijing and interest rates; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: due to the time difference in Beijing, President Trump and Chinese President Xi are currently meeting and pundits are discussing what might or might not be discussed; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Producer Price Index and Core Producer Price Index; within the Consumer Price Index discussed yesterday, electricity demand is a big factor; President Trump is floating the idea of a federal gas and diesel tax holiday, pushback is coming from unlikely sources; Oil and gas prices continue their wild ride while waiting on results from Beijing and interest rates; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian Szytel recaps a mixed market day on Wednesday, May 13: the Dow fell about 67 points while the S&P rose nearly 0.6% and the Nasdaq gained 1.2%, led by semis even as many software names sold off; rates and energy prices ticked higher amid ongoing Middle East unrest and uncertainty around a ceasefire. The key economic event was a much hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index, with headline PPI up 1.4% (vs. 0.7% expected) and core PPI up 1.0% (vs. 0.3%), leaving year-over-year headline at 6% and core at 5.2%, driven largely by services and broad demand, with tariffs, stimulus, and lower interest rates also cited. He notes these inflation readings complicate Fed policy as Warsh arrives and Powell's term ends the 15th. The Ask TBG segment explains time value of money and why longer horizons can justify higher volatility for higher expected returns. 00:00 Market Wrap Overview 00:18 Tech Leads and Rates Rise 00:37 Middle East Tensions and Oil 01:15 Hot PPI Inflation Surprise 02:21 What's Driving Prices 03:24 Fed Constraints and Policy Outlook 03:48 Ask TBG Time Value Money 04:58 Closing Thoughts and Tomorrow Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com
Grain markets are mixed and quieter on Wednesday while we examine new Producer Price Index data and await any news from the Trump/Xi meeting in China. Arlan Suderman with StoneX joins us for analysis of the grain, livestock and outside markets at midweek. ***Always remember the risk of trading futures and options can be substantial.
This week's data offered a mixed but telling picture of the American economy, spanning the Beige Book, fresh readings on inflation and housing, and a further climb in equity markets. Housing, often a bellwether of cyclical momentum, continued to soften. Existing home sales fell short of expectations, while the Housing Market Index also declined, underscoring waning confidence among builders. Inflation, as measured by the Producer Price Index, surprised to the downside on the headline figure, though recent month over month gains suggest underlying pressures remain uncomfortably firm. The Beige Book, drawing on regional Federal Reserve surveys, described an economy marked by subdued growth, rising inflation expectations, and elevated uncertainty linked in part to the war in Iran. Against this backdrop, equity markets have staged a relief rally, pushing major indices to fresh highs. Yet the character of the advance is notable. Unlike earlier phases of recovery, leadership has not come from cyclically sensitive or higher risk assets, but from companies perceived as higher quality and more resilient, often benefiting from structural tail winds. The shift points to a market that is advancing, but with caution, as investors seek shelter even while bidding prices higher, betraying a lingering unease about the durability of the expansion and the path ahead.
Advisors on This Week's Show Kyle Tetting Dave Sandstrom John Sandstrom (with Max Hoelzl,Joel Dresang, engineered by Jason Scuglik) Week in Review (April 13-17, 2026) Significant Economic Indicators & Reports Monday Housing sales stayed “sluggish” in March amid the weakest market in more than 30 years, according to the National Association of Realtors. The annual sales rate dipped another 3.6% from February to 3.98 million, 1% lower than the year before. The trade group blamed elevated mortgage rates and continued lack of inventory. Another 300,000 to 500,000 houses would be needed in addition to the 1.4 million already for sale to reach the historic balance between supply and demand, the group said. The imbalance has resulted in price increases. The median sales price rose 1.6% from the year before to a record $408,880 in March. The Realtors estimated that rising prices have increased the typical homeowner’s wealth by $128,100 since 2000. Tuesday The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that wholesale inflation rose 0.5% in March, as prices on goods increased while services were unchanged. An 8.5% jump in energy prices, including nearly 16% in gasoline, accounted for the bulk of the rise in the cost of goods. The Producer Price Index advanced 4% from the year before, the steepest increase in more than three years. Excluding volatile prices for food, energy and trade services, the core PPI rose 0.2% from February and was up 3.6% from the year before, the most since November. Wednesday No major announcements Thursday The four-week moving average for initial unemployment claims rose for the seond week in a row following five weeks of no increases. The indicator of employers' willingness to let workers go remained 42% below the all-time average, dating to 1967, according to Labor Department data. Total claims for jobless benefits fell 4% from the week before to 1.9 million, which was 3% off from where it was the year before. Industrial production sank in March for the first time in four months as output from mines, utilities and manufacturing all declined. The Federal Reserve Board said overall production fell 0.5%, although it was up 2.4% through the first quarter and was 0.7% ahead of where it stood in March 2025. Factory production dropped 0.1% from February on broad declines led by automotive, which were partly offset by increased output from construction supplies as well as defense and space equipment. Industries' capacity utilization rate fell slightly from February and stayed below its 54-year average, suggesting higher prices weren't imminent. Friday No major announcements Market Closings for the Week Nasdaq – 24468, up 1566 points or 6.8% S&P 500 – 7126, up 309 points or 4.5% Dow Jones Industrial Average – 49448, up 1531 points or 3.2% 10-year U.S. Treasury Note – 4.25%, down 0.08 point
Kevin covers and discusses the following topics and stories: it's tax day, of course he has an opinion on this! The National Association of Realtors reported March Existing Home Sales; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Producer Price Index and Core Producer Price Index; oil and gas prices react to the Iranian Ports blockade; Kevin has the details, digs into the details, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this deeply personal and insight-rich conversation, Londa and David blend real-life vulnerability with practical perspective. They start light—with working from home, integrating life and business, and the joy of small daily rituals—then pivot into a clear explanation of recent market moves tied to oil prices, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Producer Price Index. From there, they unpack how curated social media and partisan news have turned many people's information diet into an echo chamber, and why intentionally seeking diverse views is critical to clear thinking and decision-making. Finally, they open up about their granddaughter Lucy's devastating medical diagnosis, the loss of two other grandchildren, and how routines, community, and “loving your people” are helping them navigate grief while still showing up for their work and clients. #MarketMindset #LeadershipInRealLife #BeyondTheEchoChamber #ResilientEntrepreneur #LifeAndBusiness Three Business-Focused Takeaways 1. Diversify Your Information, Not Just Your Portfolio Relying on a single news source—or worse, a single social media feed—puts leaders in a dangerous echo chamber. Proactively seeking multiple viewpoints (financial news, different networks, long-form analysis) leads to better strategic decisions in volatile markets. 2. Routines Are a Stability Strategy, Not Just “Self-Care” In seasons of crisis (family health, moves, uncertainty), consistent routines—workouts, workflows, daily habits—become operational anchors. They protect your mental bandwidth so you can keep serving clients, leading teams, and making clear business decisions when emotions run high. 3. A Big, Diverse Network Is a Business Asset Having a wide, varied community isn't just emotionally supportive; it's professionally powerful. Diverse relationships expose you to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities you'd never see inside a narrow circle, making you a more adaptive, well-rounded leader and business owner.
Overview: Tune into this week's episode of Launch Financial as we break down a strong week in the markets, with stocks continuing to surge amid growing investor optimism around the potential end of the Iran war. We're also keeping a close eye on key economic data, including the latest Producer Price Index report, along with fresh insights on the consumer coming from major bank earnings throughout the week. On the financial planning side, with Tax Day here, we discuss how to use your 2025 tax return as a planning tool, helping you fine-tune your strategy and realign your financial roadmap for the rest of the year. Show Notes:
Kevin covers and discusses the following topics and stories: it's tax day, of course he has an opinion on this! The National Association of Realtors reported March Existing Home Sales; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Producer Price Index and Core Producer Price Index; oil and gas prices react to the Iranian Ports blockade; Kevin has the details, digs into the details, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kevin covers and discusses the following topics and stories: it's tax day, of course he has an opinion on this! The National Association of Realtors reported March Existing Home Sales; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Producer Price Index and Core Producer Price Index; oil and gas prices react to the Iranian Ports blockade; Kevin has the details, digs into the details, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.
Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor & Market Strategist for Murphy & Sylvest, joins Bob Sirott to discuss strategies for investors, an update on the tech stocks, and the importance of the Producer Price Index. He also talks about whether earnings numbers will reflect what the Fed will do with interest rates and an update on […]
The economy continues to dominate national attention as the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) data offers a rare moment of relief, coming in significantly cooler than market forecasts. Despite the backdrop of geopolitical instability in the Middle East driving a massive 8.5% surge in energy costs, the core PPI—which excludes volatile food and energy—rose by a mere 0.1%, its lowest jump since last summer. This divergence suggests that while supply shocks are hitting the gas pump, underlying inflationary pressures in the broader manufacturing and service sectors may finally be losing steam. For investors and consumers alike, the report provides a needed reprieve from "wholesale blowout" fears, even as the Federal Reserve remains cautious about declaring a total victory over rising costs.
In Hour 1 of The Charlie James Show, the program dives into the rapid political fallout of Representative Eric Swalwell's resignation and the unexpected relief provided by a cooling Producer Price Index. The broadcast then shifts to a devastating tragedy in Spartanburg involving the death of two children in a crash involving an undocumented immigrant, before concluding with a sharp critique of the U.S. naval blockade on Iran as it nears a critical breaking point.
Wheat and cattle are trading higher on Tuesday while corn and soybeans are quietly mixed. Crude oil is under pressure and the latest Producer Price Index data is out. We talk inflation, headlines and market action with Arlan Suderman from StoneX in our Midday Commentary for Tuesday, April 14th, 2026.
Send us Fan MailThis week on Ficonomy, we're breaking down three major economic updates that could directly impact your everyday life — from your grocery bill to your gas tank to your borrowing costs.Instead of reacting to headlines, we're focusing on what actually matters:What the Federal Reserve's latest meeting tells us about interest ratesWhat new inflation data is signaling behind the scenesWhy rising oil prices could affect more than just gasIf you've been wondering why things still feel expensive — or what might be coming next — this episode is for you.As always, the goal of Ficonomy is simple: Break it down. Make it clear. Help you act.What We Cover: The Fed MeetingWhy the Federal Reserve is holding steadyWhat this means for interest rates, loans, and credit cardsWhy we're still in a “wait and see” economy Inflation (PPI Data)What the Producer Price Index actually measuresWhy this matters before prices hit consumersWhat early signals are telling us about future costs Oil Prices RisingWhat's driving oil prices higher right nowHow global events impact your walletWhy oil affects more than just gas pricesThis week's data points to one thing:We're not in a crisis — but we're not fully in the clear either.That means:Interest rates may stay higher for longerPrices may not drop as quickly as people hopeExternal factors (like oil) can still push costs upPractical TakeawaysBe cautious with high-interest debtTake advantage of high-yield savings while rates are elevatedKeep a buffer in your budget for fluctuating costsStay disciplined — this is not the time to get careless financiallyFinal ThoughtYou don't need to predict the economy to be prepared for it. You just need to stay consistent, disciplined, and informed.Support the show
Advisors on This Week's Show Tom Pappenfus Dave Sandstrom (with Max Hoelzl, Joel Dresang, engineered by Jason Scuglik) Week in Review (March 16-20, 2026) Significant Economic Indicators & Reports Monday U.S. industrial production rose 0.2% in February, following a 0.7% gain in January, according to the Federal Reserve. Manufacturing output also increased 0.2%, led by automotive products. In the last year, total production advanced 1.4% while manufacturing rose 1.3%. The capacity utilization rate, considered a leading indicator of inflation, was unchanged in February, staying at 76.3%, well below the long-term average. Tuesday Prospects for home sellers brightened slightly in February with a bump up in the pending home sales index from the National Association of Realtors. The trade group said its index rose 1.8% from January and 0.8% from the year before, though it still stood about 28% below the 2001 index, which the Realtors consider to be a normal sales level. The association credited improved affordability for the rise in pending sales. It also said affordability could be threatened by a “sluggish” job market and rising energy costs stemming from the war in Iran. Wednesday Wholesale inflation rose more than analysts expected in February with the highest jump in goods prices since August 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said its Producer Price Index rose 0.7% from January. It was up 3.4% from the year before, the most in a year. Excluding volatile prices for food, energy and trade services, the core PPI rose 0.5% from January and was 3.5% higher than the year before. Demand for U.S. manufactured goods rose in January for the fourth time in six months. The Commerce Department reported that new orders for factory goods grew by 0.1% from December and were 3.5% ahead of their level in January 2025. Gains were led by commercial aircraft orders, which offset declines in automotive and military aircraft. Excluding the volatile transportation category, orders rose 0.4% for the month and 0.6% for the year. Core capital goods orders, a proxy for business investments, rose 0.1% from December and 2.9% from the year before. As widely anticipated, the policy-making committee of the Federal Reserve Board voted to hold short-term interest rates steady. After a two-day meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee noted that inflation continued to run above the Fed’s 2% target, although the economy appeared to be expanding at a solid pace and the labor market showed little change since the last meeting. Thursday The four-week moving average for initial unemployment claims fell for the third time in four weeks to 42% below its average since 1967. The Labor Department report suggested continued reluctance among employers to let workers go. Total jobless claims dropped 3.4% from the week before to just under 2.2 million, which was 0.3% behind the same time in 2025. The market for new houses sank to its slowest pace in more than three years in January. The annual rate of new residential sales fell nearly 18% from December and was the lowest since October 2022, the Commerce Department reported. As a result, the inventory of unsold new houses rose to a 9.7 months' supply. The median price for a new house fell 6.8% from the year before to $400,500. Friday No major announcements Market Closings for the Week Nasdaq – 21648, down 458 points or 2.1% S&P 500 – 6506, down 126 points or 1.9% Dow Jones Industrial Average – 45577, down 981 points or 2.1% 10-year U.S. Treasury Note – 4.39%, up 0.11 point
The Fed just admitted inflation is spiraling out of control while refusing to do the one thing that actually works—raise rates—and Powell is banking on hope and fantasy to save the economy, but here's why today's gold selloff is the buying opportunity of a lifetime.- This episode is sponsored by InvestingPRO. Get 55% o
Kevin covers the following stories: the Federal Reserve announces their decision on interest rates; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Producer Price Index and Core Producer Price Index; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported New Factory Orders; this past Monday, the U.S. Transportation Department's, rules regarding asylum seekers, refugees, DACA recipients obtaining CDLs went into effect; Kevin has the details, sifts through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode comes directly from the Wednesday update that members inside the DTA community receive. In this update we discuss: Inflation just got more aggressive, and today's PPI report proves it. We break down the February 2026 Producer Price Index data, why a 48.9% spike in vegetable prices is more than a blip, and what Jerome Powell's careful word choice is really telling us about the state of the economy.In this episode:Why PPI came in at 0.7% — more than double expectations — and what's driving it.The "perfect storm" of weather, tariffs, and labor shortages is hitting food prices.Powell's "pincer move" explanation and why he's refusing to use the word stagflation.The 10-year Treasury yield is hitting 4.25% and why. Earnings breakdown: Micron's massive AI-driven beats the forecast. SPY and QQQ key levels — why the market is bearish but still highly tradeable.The two catalysts that could flip the inflation narrative. Subscribe to The Disciplined Traders Podcast for market breakdowns, trading education, and no-nonsense analysis.
Kevin covers the following stories: the Federal Reserve announces their decision on interest rates; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Producer Price Index and Core Producer Price Index; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported New Factory Orders; this past Monday, the U.S. Transportation Department's, rules regarding asylum seekers, refugees, DACA recipients obtaining CDLs went into effect; Kevin has the details, sifts through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.
Kevin covers the following stories: the Federal Reserve announces their decision on interest rates; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Producer Price Index and Core Producer Price Index; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported New Factory Orders; this past Monday, the U.S. Transportation Department's, rules regarding asylum seekers, refugees, DACA recipients obtaining CDLs went into effect; Kevin has the details, sifts through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nationally syndicated financial columnist and author Terry Savage joins John Williams to talk about the unexpected Producer Price Index reading, the market not making big headlines, why it could be time to rebalance your portfolio, and why the Fed can’t cut interest rates. Terry also answers all of your financial questions.
On this week's episode, we examine signs that inflationary pressures are proving more stubborn than many had hoped. January's Producer Price Index surprised to the upside, with headline prices rising 0.5 per cent over the month and the measure excluding food and energy increasing 0.8 per cent. We discuss why these pressures are likely to filter into the forthcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures data, particularly in goods, and what that means for the broader inflation narrative. We also turn to markets, where Nvidia delivered earnings and revenues ahead of expectations, yet saw its shares fall sharply. The reaction, we argue, reflects mounting unease about the scale and sustainability of capital expenditure plans among the largest cloud providers. Data centers require enormous amounts of electricity, and questions about power availability raise doubts about whether projected demand for advanced chips can be fully realized. Finally, we explore the collapse of Market Financial Solutions in London. Following recent failures in other credit focused firms, the episode highlights the risks embedded in years of generous liquidity and looser underwriting standards. As financial conditions tighten, the vulnerabilities created during the boom are becoming harder to ignore.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to a hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index report that extended the market selloff and pushed investors to reassess the path of inflation and interest rates. With the 10-year Treasury dipping below 4% and mortgage rates nearing 6%, they debate whether falling rates can revive housing — or if broader growth concerns are the bigger story.The hour also features CNBC's Michael Santoli on the AI-driven market rotation and what could reignite momentum in big tech, plus analysis of Paramount's blockbuster acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Berkshire Hathaway's new stake in The New York Times, and renewed concerns about risks building in private credit markets.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to a hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index report that rattled markets and raised fresh questions about the Federal Reserve's timeline for rate cuts. With core wholesale prices surging well above forecasts, the hosts examine whether inflation is reaccelerating — or whether the data is simply a volatile outlier.The hour also explores growing concentration risk in the S&P 500, the heavy weighting of mega-cap tech stocks, and whether AI-driven disruption headlines — including mass layoffs at Block — are more marketing than macro reality.
This week on Fed Watch, ITR Economist and Speaker Connor Locar breaks down January's hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index report and what it means for interest rates as we head into March. With inflation data coming in warm and money supply growth accelerating at the fastest pace in nearly four years, the likelihood of a near-term rate cut appears to be fading. At the same time, bond yields are dipping below 4 percent, raising new questions about growth expectations and market sentiment. Add in the latest 10 percent tariff action under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, and businesses are once again facing pricing uncertainty. If you are trying to plan capital spending, manage borrowing costs, or protect margins in an environment of persistent inflation pressure, this episode will help you frame what matters most right now. Are markets signaling confidence, or concern?
In today's episode, host Kip breaks down a rollercoaster week in the markets as February wraps up with a downturn—but that's not the whole story. Kip explores why, despite a rocky finish to the month, he's bullish heading into March and April, historically two of the best months for investors. You'll hear Kip address the recent inflation concerns and why a spike in the Producer Price Index might not be cause for alarm. He explains how strong corporate health, all-time high liquidity, and robust home equity levels set today's market apart from past crises—making comparisons to 2008 more myth than reality. Tune into today's podcast to learn more.
Another Government shutdown is upon us; the U.S. Labor Department released the Producer Price Index; S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index has been released including-new orders, production, employment, supplier deliveries, etc.; Amazon announces Corporate job cuts; oil prices react to geopolitical events, a stronger dollar, milder U.S. weather forecasts and OPEC+ production announcements; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another Government shutdown is upon us; the U.S. Labor Department released the Producer Price Index; S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index has been released including-new orders, production, employment, supplier deliveries, etc.; Amazon announces Corporate job cuts; oil prices react to geopolitical events, a stronger dollar, milder U.S. weather forecasts and OPEC+ production announcements; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.
Another Government shutdown is upon us; the U.S. Labor Department released the Producer Price Index; S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index has been released including-new orders, production, employment, supplier deliveries, etc.; Amazon announces Corporate job cuts; oil prices react to geopolitical events, a stronger dollar, milder U.S. weather forecasts and OPEC+ production announcements; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inflation pressures are resurfacing—and the Federal Reserve may be headed for a major shakeup. In today's episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest Producer Price Index report, which shows wholesale prices rising faster than expected in December, driven entirely by persistent services inflation. While goods prices remain flat, the data suggests underlying inflation pressures are proving stubborn—complicating expectations for near-term interest rate cuts. Then, in breaking news, President Donald Trump announces his plan to nominate former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, replacing Jerome Powell when his term expires. Markets react swiftly, raising new questions about interest rates, Fed independence, and what this leadership change could mean for investors. This episode connects the dots between inflation data, monetary policy, and real-world impacts on mortgage rates, borrowing costs, and real estate investing strategy—so you can stay informed in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.
Markets are mostly lower at midday Friday as we close out the month of January. Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist with StoneX, joins us to discuss the new Producer Price Index data along with the new Fed Chair nominee, end of month grain and livestock trade and much more.
In this episode of the Jon Sanchez Show, Jason Gaunt fills in for John Sanchez, who is under the weather. Gaunt provides a comprehensive market update, discussing the recent performance of major indices, including the Dow, S&P, and NASDAQ, which all experienced declines. He delves into the implications of recent economic data, including the Producer Price Index and retail sales figures, highlighting concerns about inflation and interest rates. Gaunt emphasizes the market's reaction to earnings reports from major banks, noting that despite decent results, stocks fell due to broader market anxieties and the need for more positive news to sustain growth.The conversation shifts to the impact of geopolitical events, particularly regarding Iran and tariffs, and how these factors contribute to market volatility. Gaunt also discusses the energy sector's performance, suggesting a potential shift towards energy investments. He concludes with insights from BlackRock's market outlook, emphasizing the importance of diversifying portfolios and being cautious about future earnings expectations. Overall, the episode provides listeners with a detailed analysis of current market conditions and strategic investment considerations.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Market Overview00:56 Economic Data and Market Reactions04:32 Earnings Reports and Financial Sector Insights07:39 Geopolitical Events and Market Impact11:36 Energy Sector Performance and Investment Strategies18:36 BlackRock's Market Outlook and Future Expectationsmarket update, economic data, interest rates, inflation, earnings reports, energy sector, investment strategy, geopolitical events, BlackRock outlook
CRE Exchange: Commercial Real Estate, Property Valuations, Real Estate Analytics and Property Tax
The latest wave of delayed government data is finally in, and it's helping the CRE community reestablish a clearer view of the economy heading into 2026. Join Omar and Cole as they interpret new banking, retail, PPI, and sentiment indicators, translating them into implications for capital availability, demand, and development pipelines. Key Moments:01:12 Quarterly Banking Profile insights05:49 Commercial real estate lending trends10:36 Retail sales and economic indicators13:02 Producer Price Index analysis15:07 Federal Reserve's Beige Book highlights22:42 Consumer Confidence and GDP Nowcast28:11 Upcoming data releases and final thoughts Resources Mentioned:FDIC Quarterly Banking Profile - https://www.fdic.gov/quarterly-banking-profileUS Bureau of Labor and Statistics Producer Price Index - https://www.bls.gov/pPI/US Census Bureau Advance Retail Trade Report - https://www.census.gov/retail/sales.htmlFederal Reserve Beige Book - https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/publications/beige-book-default.htmThe Conference Board US Consumer Confidence Index - https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence/index.cfmGDP Now - https://www.atlantafed.org/cqer/research/gdpnowUS Commercial Real Estate Transaction Analysis – Q3 2025 - https://www.altusgroup.com/insights/us-commercial-real-estate-transaction-analysis-q3-2025Email us: altusresearch@altusgroup.comThanks for listening to the “CRE Exchange” podcast, powered by Altus Group. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review to help get the word out about the show. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss another insightful conversation.#CRE #CommercialRealEstate #Property
September's economic data is finally out—despite government shutdown delays—and it offers a mixed but important look at inflation, spending, and what's coming next for interest rates. In this episode, Kathy breaks down the latest Producer Price Index showing cooling core wholesale inflation, rising energy costs, and how retail sales held up in September. She also explains what the delayed CPI and PPI reports mean for market volatility, Fed decisions, and real estate investors heading into year-end. JOIN RealWealth® FOR FREE https://realwealth.com/join-step-1 FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/25/core-wholesale-prices-rose-less-than-expected-in-september-retail-sales-gain.html
Market Volatility and Inflation Insights: A Mid-Week Market Recap In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel reports from West Palm Beach, Florida, with a mid-week market update recorded on Wednesday, September 10. The recap highlights mixed performance across markets as a result of the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) numbers, which showed a surprising decline of 0.1% against the expected 0.3% increase. The DOW fell by 0.5%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq registered minor gains and flat performance, respectively. The segment also delves into the significant decrease in year-over-year inflation rates and previews upcoming key economic data, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and initial jobless claims. Additionally, the script addresses concerns regarding high market valuations and the prudent approach to market exposure. Brian also references historical market behavior to caution against rash decisions based on short-term indicators. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:56 Producer Price Index and Market Reactions 02:13 Upcoming Economic Indicators 02:25 Labor Market Insights 03:07 Valuations and Market Strategies 05:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com
The headlines on the Wall Street Journal have been marvelling at the lack of inflationary pressure as a result of tariffs. The latest CPI announcement had the annualized rate at 2.7% against the backdrop of a weakening labor market. This is converging on the Fed's 2% target for inflation. We are looking at inflation because the Fed's interest rate policy is linked to balancing both price stability and maximizing employment. If inflation is too high, they raise rates in order to suppress demand. If unemployment is too high they lower rates to stimulate investment. Of course we know it is not just the rates which affect the economy, it's access to credit which is infinitely more important. We know that tariffs have been making headlines for most of this year. Tariffs have been in effect on a wide range of goods for many countries since April 1. There have been several delays to the implementation of tariffs which were designed to incentivize new trade deals with the US. Some of these have concluded and others like Canada and China are still in process. Last Friday the Producer Price Index was published and it showed that prices increase 0.9% for the month of July. That's a huge jump in a month. Is this all the result of tariffs? No. The services component of the PPI rose 1.1% and the goods component rose 0.7%. Tariffs are not the whole story. When I consider that companies need to maintain profitability, there are several ways they can do this. For example, retailers might hold the line on prices for goods that have tariffs attached to them. But I think the cost pressure from tariffs and the incentive to bring manufacturing to the US will have two effects.Any new manufacturing in the US will take time to implement. In the meantime, companies will have to find other ways to cut costs. If and when they do eventually bring new manufacturing to the US, it will be very highly automated to minimize the impact of higher wages in the US. With the advent of AI, manufacturers will be looking for ways to eliminate other positions in the company and reduce headcount to improve operating margins. The drive to save costs will accelerate the adoption of AI in companies and speed up the elimination of jobs. Strangely, this will have the opposite effect that the White House is hoping for. So if inflation ticks up as a result of tariffs, can the Fed do anything about it? The answer is a resounding NO. Raising interest rates won't make the tariffs go away. Increasing costs for businesses won't cause demand to fall enough to suppress prices. So the Fed would be rendered completely impotent to bring price stability from an artificial imposition of tariffs causing prices to increase. You see these economic models assume normal economic behaviour. But if the model doesn't explain the real situation on the ground, then at a certain point you have to abandon the computer simulation and look out the window to see what's happening.--------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1) iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613) Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com) LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce) YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734) Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso) Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com) **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com) Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital) Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)
Aaron McIntire wraps up the week with a bombshell from Just the News: FBI Director Kash Patel uncovers a 2017 memo revealing Obama DOJ's Sally Yates ordered a halt to a Hillary Clinton pay-to-play probe. Trump touts removing 275,000+ illegal aliens from Social Security, strengthening the system on its 90th anniversary. ICE's deportation efforts escalate in California, rattling Gavin Newsom, while Florida opens a new “Deportation Depot.” Joe Scarborough calls out Democrats for downplaying D.C.'s crime crisis, and producer price index spikes raise inflation concerns. Plus, the weekly “Ask or Tell Me Anything” segment tackles cigars vs. pipes, AI morality, and a liberal's Starbucks meltdown. The A.M. Update, Obama DOJ, Hillary Clinton, Kash Patel, Social Security fraud, Trump deportation, Gavin Newsom, Deportation Depot, Joe Scarborough, D.C. crime, producer price index, inflation, ask or tell me anything, AI morality, Blaze TV
It was a week headlined by crucial inflation data. The Inside Economics crew is joined by colleague Matt Colyar to dig into July's consumer price index. July's CPI was unsurprising, but that doesn't mean it was good. The group discusses why markets might have been too cheery about it and what they think inflation looks like in the coming months (see July's producer price index). Finally, some loquacious responses to a handful of listener questions. Hosts: Mark Zandi – Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, Cris deRitis – Deputy Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, and Marisa DiNatale – Senior Director - Head of Global Forecasting, Moody's AnalyticsFollow Mark Zandi on 'X' and BlueSky @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis on LinkedIn, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn Questions or Comments, please email us at helpeconomy@moodys.com. We would love to hear from you. To stay informed and follow the insights of Moody's Analytics economists, visit Economic View.
-- On the Show: -- Gavin Newsom unveils an aggressive redistricting strategy in California aimed at flipping House seats from Republicans to Democrats -- Gavin Newsom's California redistricting push is an example of Democrats matching Republican aggression with a clear plan to stop Donald Trump's second term agenda -- New data shows the Producer Price Index surging far beyond expectations signaling that higher business costs will soon hit consumers and complicate Federal Reserve rate cut plans -- Donald Trump delivers a series of rambling and contradictory comments on topics ranging from golf course grass to border wall construction to sanctions on Russia -- A string of disjointed remarks by Donald Trump raises questions about his coherence and focus after months of media attention on Joe Biden's mental fitness -- New figures show the federal budget deficit surging despite record tariff revenue as Donald Trump's economic promises collide with rising spending and slower growth -- Nebraska Republican Don Bacon publicly concedes that Donald Trump's tariffs have devastated his state's economy and slashed GDP by six percent -- Karoline Leavitt delivers a series of blunders on Fox News including falsely claiming Trump inherited a war from Joe Biden -- Eric Trump is fact checked on air for lying about Biden's market record and awkwardly defends profiting from the presidency alongside Donald Trump Jr -- On the Bonus Show: Democratic lawmakers who fled Texas plan their next move, MAGA is coming for legal marijuana, American drinking rates are declining, and much more...
Market Insights: Follow-Through, Treasury Secretary Speaks, and Housing Resurgence In this August 13th episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel from The Bahnsen Group provides a detailed market update from Newport Beach, California. He discusses recent market trends, including significant market breadth with a six-to-one advance-decline ratio. Brian also covers Treasury Secretary Bessant's comments on a potential Fed rate cut and the search for new Fed candidates. He highlights the resurgence in the small-cap sector and notes an uptick in housing activity despite affordability challenges. Brian addresses a common query about The Bahnsen Group's ability to manage assets for international clients and previews forthcoming economic data releases, such as the Producer Price Index, retail sales, and consumer sentiment. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:47 Treasury Secretary's Comments on Fed Policy 01:46 Small Cap Sector Insights 02:29 Housing Market Trends 04:35 International Client Queries 06:01 Upcoming Economic Data 06:53 Conclusion and Closing Remarks Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com