In markets as in life, sentiment drives decision making.

And until sentiment shifts, the status quo will maintain. Even when at extreme conditions.

Today's guest has made the study of sentiment his life's work.

Which is particularly timely given that consumer confidence continues to plunge, with the recent April Consumer Confidence numbers coming in far below the consensus estimate.

This is important because when it comes to the markets, as well as a number of other issues central to our way of life, we may be walking dangerously close to a tipping point where the prevailing sentiment suddenly reverses and the herd bolts in an unexpected direction -- potentially leading to sharp changes most will be caught unawares by.

So what do we need to be keeping our eyes on most closely?

To find out, we're fortunate to speak today with behavioral economist Peter Atwater, adjunct professor at William & Mary College, and author of the book The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity.

We'll ask him what his key confidence indicators are telling him about the prospects for the rest of 2024.

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