The National Federation of Independent Businesses released today their Small Business Optimism report. In the report, they track the results of their monthly survey to its members to produce their proprietary Small Business Index (SBI). Based on answers provided in July, the SBI rose 2.2 points to 93.7, the highest reading since February 2022. However, July's index at 93.7 is the 31st consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98.0. Read in this issue our view of the Small Business Optimism report.

Yesterday the world markets sold off as investors stampeded out of the market selling their client's portfolios as fast as they could. What spooked the markets yesterday is not much different than what normally triggers a stampede. A jittery herd and then a sudden noise. Read in this Issue as we separate the facts from fiction of what the media is reporting and whether the stampede was legitimate or just nervous nellies.

A summer market correction is well under way after a strong first half of 2024 for the stock market. Over time the S&P 500 on average increases about 70% of time with the remaining periods with down cycles referenced as three steps forward one step back. A consistent factor with investors and the stock market are the down cycles that are necessary to set up the next positive trend. Listen in this issue our analysis of the stock market and economy and predictions of when and how the stock market may resume its next up trend.

In today's market, interest rate trends, the recent S&P500 pullback, and presidential campaigns are key topics, influencing inflation, market volatility, and political dynamics

The holy grail for companies is achieving maximum productivity growth at the most profitable revenue ratio. For publicly traded companies, investors wait to hear each quarter are the changes in the company's top line revenue (gross sales) and bottom line EBIDTA (earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes, amortization). The challenge for companies is increasing top revenue efficiently so their net income increases with rising sales. Read in this Update our analysis of a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on productivity and possible implications as companies embrace new technology to grow their companies.

Since the stock market bottom on October 14, 2022, the major indices have rallied significantly. During these past 20 months, the tech-based NASDAQ index has soared 78.3% followed by large cap S&P 500 index up 55.53%. The mid-cap S&P 400 index and small Cap S&P 600 trailed, rising 29.42% and 18.22% respectively. Is this a time to sell or buy more? Listen in this issue our analysis of identifying buying opportunities and when we believe it is time to sell.

We added Nvidia (NVDA) to our Growth & Income and Growth model portfolios early last year. Since then, the stock price has soared. This year institutional investors continued to add NVDA to their portfolios on bullish forecasts the company's chip and GPU (graphic processor units) will increase in demand. The stock is up 154.9% YTD through today. Listen in this Weekly Update our view on the future of NVDA and the AI industry.

The US Census Bureau released last week the advance projection May report of the Index of Economic Activity (IDEA) that includes information how consumers changed their spending last month. Consumers are changing their spending in what economists refer to as a "soft landing" from former periods of stronger retails sales. Quick reversals from strong retail sales to no sales blindsides investors that typically results in greater stock market volatility as investors knee jerk reaction is to SELL! In this Update, read about our observations of the IDEA report and forecasts for the economy.

In this podcast we identify that consumers are changing how they spend their money. It appears people are buying less fun stuff like vacations and home improvements and focusing more on boring stuff like food and clothes. Do consumers know something analysts don't and are starting to adjust their budgets in preparation for a slowing economy? Listen in this Weekly Brief our observations of consumer spending and the changes we are making in our model portfolios.

The most recent economic tsunami was the 2020 pandemic that significantly disrupted all business and specifically manufacturing. Manufacturers were initially required to shut down operations and send their employees home. The obvious supply chain dysfunction that followed disrupted all businesses depending on manufactured products. Read in this Weekly Brief our observations of this week's US and Global Manufacturing reports on production and output and the potential impact on businesses in 2024.