Thursday, stocks were down yesterday after being disappointed by the minutes from the FED meeting.
Goodyear causes an uproar over a training tape. Is the slide fake news?
Iowa State University restricts students free speech.
What happens when everything becomes political?
Gold has a sell-off, the end of the rally or a pause?

Good news Wednesday. The DOW slipped slightly but the S&P made a new all time high.
We have talked before that economic changes forced by the pandemic would produce winners and losers. All that and more in today's segment.

Tuesday, the DOW index slipped yesterday but the S&P and NASDAQ were up. The big news was in the precious metals mining sector (we have positions in this sector). Buffett's disclosure that he bought a large stake in Barrick (up 11% yesterday) caused some big investors and investment funds to become interested in the sector. XAU, an index of metals mining companies, was up 5.8% yesterday. Gold futures are back above $2000 per oz. this morning. The correction in gold was short lived.
Housing market index was strong, Amazon is hiring 3500 for new office jobs in 6 cities.
The big debate currently is about the Post Office funding. US mail volume has dropped 33% in the past 15 years. Should the Post Office adjust accordingly?

Monday August 17th, an important day. I've got enough good news to justify the statement that the worst is over for the economy.
Something could still happen but let's look on the bright side.
Retail spending rose above pre-pandamic levels. Article attached.
Coronavirus cases and deaths are declining.
And an investment earthquake, Buffett is buying gold mining companies.

Friday, stocks were down slightly yesterday. With all the uncertainty stocks are on track for the best 100 day gain since 1933. Does this mean the economy is out of the woods? We are undergoing a major economic shift and I doubt it is over. A quote from the attached article:"The pandemic has accelerated investment trends already underway that should continue for years to come."
New claims for unemployment came in far below expectations. People are going back to work but we have a long way to go to get back to pre-pandemic levels.
Congress has left town with no stimulus plan in place. What now?

Thursday, stocks had a good day yesterday. But Warren Buffett says it's time for caution. The "Buffett Indicator" flashed caution in 2000, 2008 and 2018 it's in the danger zone again. Have a look at the attached article.
Amazon is getting more competition. Lowes and Home Depot are building fulfillment centers to handle online orders. (Article attached)
Uber and Lyft may leave California and Stein Mart Files for Bankruptcy

Good news Wednesday?? This is the first time I can remember that I have been unable to find a single positive story to link.
The only good news this morning is Holiday Casino had record revenue in July and Kamala Harris likes her new status as Joe Biden's running mate. Social media is having a field day with her history.

Tuesday, stocks came alive yesterday largely in response to the new Trump Executive Order for more stimulus.
Precious metals got crushed overnight, time will tell if it's just some profit taking or a change in direction. If you invest in precious metals you need to be aware they can be very volatile.
Home builder stock sector hit a 15 year high yesterday.
The news on new job openings is actually very good.

Monday, good news on the employment front Friday pushed stocks higher (a little).
Never underestimate the ability of businesses to adjust. The attached article shows there are plans to re-purpose the soon to be vacated big box stores.
That Kodak loan we talked about last week. Well, not so fast, something smells fishy.
Trump signs an Executive Order. If he can't get a deal with Congress he will do one without them. Congressional Democrats should have read 'The Art of the Deal'.
And for those that have an interest the second attached article is a lesson on how to cook the books on Covid 19 cases.

Friday, stocks were up yesterday but as normal the increase was minimal. Gold and silver continue to rise based on increasing enthusiasm.
The attached article begs the question, how reliable are moving average indicators for investing?
Investors are holding their breath waiting for the unemployment numbers.
Thump says if he doesn't get a deal on the stimulus before today he will do it himself. He has a phone and a pen, Ohhh wait was that Trump who said that?