U.S. household debt was on the rise, reflecting both the growth in the economy and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, total U.S. household debt reached a new high of $14.96 trillion in the second quarter of 2021, an increase of $313 billion from the first quarter of the year. Mortgage balances, the most significant component of household debt, stood at $10.44 trillion, an increase of $282 billion from the first quarter. Student loan debt was approximately $1.57 trillion, while auto loan debt was $1.37 trillion. Credit card balances increased by $17 billion to $770 billion.

The U.S. housing market is experiencing a slowdown with shrinking inventory due to homeowners holding onto their properties to capitalize on low-interest rates, causing a decrease in sales velocity. Despite a slight drop in housing prices, homeowners choose to stay in their homes longer, with the average tenure increasing from 6.5 years in 2005 to 12 years. New home sales account for approximately 10% of the U.S. housing market. While these are subject to fluctuations, the median price of new houses sold was higher than the previous year, suggesting that demand may still be strong despite the slowing sales pace.

The SPAC market has declined significantly, with de-SPAC performance dropping 63.3% since 2018 and fewer SPAC IPOs and de-SPAC mergers in 2022 compared to 2021 due to increased regulatory scrutiny and rising interest rates. Electric vehicle startup Lordstown Motors, which went public via a SPAC merger in 2020, recently filed for bankruptcy and accused Taiwan's Foxconn of fraudulent conduct and not fulfilling investment agreements, representing further troubles in the E.V. industry. This trend points to increased risk and volatility for consumers investing in companies that go public via SPACs, especially in the EV sector.

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NVIDIA

NVIDIA is a leading technology company known for its graphics processing units (GPUs) for gaming and professional markets and system-on-a-chip units (SoCs) for the mobile computing and automotive markets. NVIDIA has expanded its influence into high-growth markets such as AI and data centers. There is a trend in the tech industry to diversify hardware applications to tap into these emerging technologies, a path that NVIDIA has embraced with strong results.

Gartner

Gartner is a global research and advisory firm providing information, advice, and tools for leaders in IT, finance, HR, customer service and support, communications, legal and compliance, marketing, sales, and supply chain functions. Gartner's influence has grown as digital transformation trends dominate business strategy conversations. The firm's insights into market trends and its strategic advice remain highly sought after in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Earnings Forecast Sandbagging

Earnings forecast sandbagging, or lowballing estimates, is a practice where companies deliberately provide conservative or low earnings forecasts. They do this to easily beat the estimates when they announce their actual earnings, leading to positive market reactions. The trend for this practice varies significantly across industries and individual companies. It is generally more prevalent in uncertain economic conditions when companies prefer to underpromise and overdeliver.

It's important to remember that these are general trends and may not reflect the most current state of these companies or practices. For the most recent data, trends, and recommendations, please consult recent financial reports, news updates, or a financial advisor.

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We're taking some weeks off for audio out of the office. Be back in your feed in June 27th.

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Disney, officially known as The Walt Disney Company, is a diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Burbank, California. Known worldwide for its film and TV productions, Disney also operates a highly successful segment dedicated to theme parks and resorts, known as Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. Trendi Stats:

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. is a leading American fast-food chain known for its fresh ingredients and build-your-own approach to meals, particularly burritos, tacos, and bowls. Founded in 1993, the company has grown substantially over the years, expanding its presence across the U.S. and several other countries.

Despite industry challenges and price increases, Chipotle has maintained a robust customer base, primarily due to the popularity of its offerings such as the burrito bowl. Its digital strategy and emphasis on sustainability have also played a role in driving its success. Trendi Stats:

As of 2023, Tesla continues to uphold its position as a leader in the electric vehicle industry, combining innovative technology with sustainable practices. Spearheaded by CEO Elon Musk, the company has achieved remarkable milestones in autonomous driving technology, battery innovation, and manufacturing efficiency. Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y remain popular choices among consumers due to their performance, safety features, and affordability relative to other electric vehicles. Trendi Stats:

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The banking industry plays a crucial role in the economy by facilitating financial transactions, providing loans, and offering various financial services. However, the industry has experienced notable collapses and economic crises throughout history. One significant event was the Great Depression in the 1930s, which saw numerous bank failures and the introduction of regulatory measures like the Glass-Steagall Act. More recently, the global financial crisis of 2008 led to the collapse of major financial institutions such as Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, resulting in widespread economic repercussions. These incidents highlighted the importance of regulatory oversight and risk management within the banking sector. As of September 2021, the total assets of commercial banks in the United States amounted to approximately $21.4 trillion (source: Federal Reserve). In 2020, the net income of US commercial banks reached $147.9 billion, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic (Source: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).

Low consumer sentiments can have a significant impact on the economy and various industries. When consumers are pessimistic about the future, they tend to reduce their spending, which can lead to a decline in overall economic activity. This decrease in consumer spending can negatively affect businesses, particularly those in the retail, hospitality, and discretionary sectors. It can also contribute to job losses and slower economic growth. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index, which measures consumer confidence, dropped to its lowest level since 2011 in April 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2008 financial crisis, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index in the United States fell to its lowest level in over 40 years, reflecting the significant impact on consumer sentiments during that time.

Labor shortages resulting from a large number of people retiring can have wide-ranging impacts on economies and industries. As experienced workers exit the workforce, there may be a scarcity of skilled talent to fill their positions, leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and potential disruptions in productivity. The shortage of workers can also drive up labor costs and put pressure on businesses to attract and retain qualified employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2029, all baby boomers will be older than 65, and they are projected to account for over 20% of the total U.S. population. A study by the Pew Research Center estimated that roughly 10,000 baby boomers are reaching retirement age each day in the United States, creating a significant impact on workforce demographics and labor supply. The National Association of Manufacturers reported that in the manufacturing sector alone, nearly 4.6 million jobs could be left unfilled by 2028 due to retirements and a lack of skilled workers.

Shipping is responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, and the industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. To address this issue, several shippers are taking steps to cut their carbon emissions. One approach is to use low-carbon fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels. Another strategy is to use more energy-efficient vessels and reduce ship speeds. Shippers are also exploring the use of new technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells and wind-assisted propulsion systems. Some of the leading shippers in this area include Maersk, CMA CGM, MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and NYK Line.

Sudan is a country located in northeastern Africa. The country has a rich and diverse history, with ancient kingdoms, Arab conquests, and British colonization. Sudan has struggled with political instability and civil war for many years, resulting in economic challenges and social issues. In terms of the economy, Sudan is heavily reliant on oil exports, which have declined in recent years due to lower oil prices and production. The country also faces inflation and high levels of external debt. Strengths: Sudan has a significant amount of natural resources, including oil, minerals, and arable land. The country is strategically located, with access to both the Red Sea and the Nile River. Sudan has a relatively young population, which presents opportunities for economic growth and development. Weaknesses: Sudan has experienced political instability and conflict for many years, which has hindered economic growth. The country is heavily reliant on oil exports, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices and production. Sudan has limited infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Opportunities: Sudan has the potential to develop its agricultural sector, which could help reduce the country's reliance on oil exports. The government has announced plans to attract foreign investment and promote economic development. Sudan's strategic location could make it an important hub for trade and transportation. Threats: Political instability and conflict could continue to disrupt economic development in Sudan. Climate change and environmental degradation could affect agriculture and other natural resources. Sudan faces competition from other countries in the region for investment and economic development.

The largest home builders in the United States include D.R. Horton, Lennar Corporation, and PulteGroup. These companies have experienced growth over the past several years due to a strong housing market and low-interest rates. In addition, there has been a trend towards building homes in suburban areas with more space and amenities, as remote work has become more common. However, there are also challenges facing the industry, including rising material costs, a shortage of skilled labor, and potential labor and supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies are also increasingly focusing on sustainability and incorporating green building practices into their operations to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly homes.

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Australia's strengths as a country include a stable political system, a skilled workforce, and abundant natural resources. The country has produced several successful companies, including BHP, which is one of the world's largest mining companies, Atlassian, a leading software company that has experienced rapid growth, and Canva, a graphic design platform that has achieved global success and unicorn status. These companies have leveraged Australia's strengths to become major players in their respective industries. Australia and its companies from its homeland keep trending up.

Walmart is the largest retailer in the world, with over 11,000 stores across the globe and annual revenue of over $500 billion. Its business comprises three main segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club, with the majority of its revenue coming from Walmart U.S. The company offers a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, apparel, home goods, and more, and has also expanded into e-commerce through its acquisition of Jet.com and partnerships with other online marketplaces. We anticipate Walmart to keep trending up.

Today we release our first interview and figure out what our guest thinks the trends are in:

- Crypto Markets

- The US Dollar and best performers in the future

- ChatGPT and the AI race

- Higher Ed and what level of education is optimal

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Microsoft and Apple are two of the biggest tech companies in the world due to their diversified product lines and strong financial performance. While the FAANG companies (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google) are all highly successful, Microsoft and Apple have managed to maintain their dominance in the industry by constantly innovating and expanding into new markets. Both companies have strong brands, loyal customer bases, and highly profitable businesses. Additionally, they have weathered economic downturns and maintained consistent growth, making them attractive investments for individual and institutional investors.

"Boring" companies that may not receive much attention or hype but have consistently performed well and offered stability to investors over the years. These companies span a variety of industries, including waste management, insurance, and utilities, and have all shown steady revenue and earnings growth, low debt levels, and solid dividends. Despite not being as exciting as some of the high-flying tech stocks, these companies offer a safe and reliable investment option for those seeking long-term growth and stability.

Under CEO Mary Barra, GM has undergone a significant transformation, focusing on electric and autonomous vehicles, shedding unprofitable brands and markets, and streamlining operations, resulting in increased profitability and a renewed focus on innovation and sustainability.

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