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Bucky DaBull has shattered 59 record highs since 1/19/2024 (starting at 4839.81). Most recent? A whopping 6129.58 on 2/18/2025. ๐๐ Somebody get this bull a trophy! ๐๐ #StockMarket#BullRun#RecordHighs
Shoutout to Hans Sleipnes for generously bringing in a holiday gift basket to the office on Christmas Eve! As a newer member of the team, Hans has already proven to be an invaluable asset. Weโre so glad to have you on board, Hans!
1. If you want higher quality or quantity while maintaining speed, costs will increase
2. If you want to reduce costs while maintaining quality, speed might suffer
3. If you want to increase speed while keeping costs low, quality might be compromised.
๐ BREAKING: Christmas arrived early in Q4!
๐ Small biz optimism soars, but here's the billion-dollar question: Upwards and onwards, or a canary in the coal mine?
๐ Holiday spirit meets market reality - what's your prediction? #SmallBiz#EconomyWatch ๐ค
The horses are galloping down the home stretch like theyโre in a race for the last slice of money ๐ฅง๐ค pie! ๐๐จ Who will cross the finish line first? ๐๐
โจ Art of the Deal โจ๐ผ
Success in financial markets isn't just about vocabulary ๐โit's about connecting terms and understanding their impact ๐.
A random article on neurotoxicology ๐งช shifted my perspective on research, risk management, and investing. Mastering markets is about people and conversation! ๐ฃ๏ธ๐ฌ #FinancialFluency
@elonmusk
Has the bond โ stock negative correlation reemerged?
The historical dance between stocks and bonds has taken another dramatic turn. The graph showcases a stark -0.79 correlation, meaning these two asset classes are once again moving in opposite directions with notable force.
Looking back over the past few years, we can see this relationship hasn't been stable. When COVID hit in early 2020, stocks and bonds went their separate ways. Then through 2021-2022, they often moved in lockstep, with multiple periods of strong positive correlation.
What's particularly interesting is how 2023 showed this pattern breaking down again, with correlation swinging wildly between positive and negative territories. Now in early 2024, we're seeing a decisive return to negative correlation โ a traditional relationship that many investors rely on for portfolio diversification.
This matters because negative stock-bond correlation is a cornerstone of traditional portfolio theory โ when stocks fall, bonds tend to rise, helping to cushion the blow. The "reemergence" of this pattern could be welcome news for investors who've been wrestling with both stocks and bonds moving down together during recent market stress periods.โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ
Or, is this just another head fake?
Retail Sales Surpass Consensus โ Stocks Shine ๐๐น๐ฒ
U.S. Retail Sales - September 2024
๐ U.S. retail sales saw a 0.4% month-over-month increase in September 2024, surpassing the 0.1% rise in August and outperforming market forecasts of a 0.3% increase. This was enough to lift stocks ๐ to record levels.
In this chart, I detail and give examples for readers to digest where consumers ๐ are spending their money ๐ฐ in gross volume and percentage change month-over-month.
For those interested further details and definitions:
1. Miscellaneous store retailers:
- Definition: Stores selling a unique or diverse range of products not classified elsewhere.
- Examples: Florists, Office Supplies stores, Pet supply stores
2. Clothing & clothing accessories stores:
- Definition: Retailers specializing in apparel and related accessories.
- Examples: Gap, Foot Locker, Tiffany & Co.
3. Health & personal care stores:
- Definition: Retailers selling health-related and personal care products.
- Examples: CVS, Walgreens, Sephora
4. Food services & drinking places:
- Definition: Establishments serving food and beverages for on-premise consumption.
- Examples: McDonald's, Starbucks, Applebee's
5. Food & beverage stores:
- Definition: Retailers selling food and beverages for off-premise consumption.
- Examples: Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's
6. General merchandise stores:
- Definition: Retailers selling a wide variety of goods across multiple categories.
- Examples: Walmart, Target, Dollar General
7. Nonstore retailers:
- Definition: Retailers selling products without a physical store presence.
- Examples: Amazon, eBay, Wayfair
8. Sporting goods, hobbies, musical instruments, & book stores:
- Definition: Specialty retailers focusing on recreational and cultural products.
- Examples: Dick's Sporting Goods, Michaels, Barnes & Noble
9. Building material & garden equipment & supplies dealers:
- Definition: Retailers selling construction materials and gardening supplies.
- Examples: Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware
10. Motor vehicle & parts dealers:
- Definition: Retailers selling automobiles, other motor vehicles, and related parts.
- Examples: AutoZone, CarMax, Ford dealerships
11. Furniture & home furnishing stores:
- Definition: Retailers specializing in home furniture and decorative items.
- Examples: IKEA, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ashley HomeStore
12. Gasoline stations:
- Definition: Retail locations primarily selling fuel for motor vehicles.
- Examples: Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron
13. Electronics & appliance stores:
- Definition: Retailers specializing in electronic devices and household appliances.
- Examples: Best Buy, Apple Store, Microsoft Store
๐ฏ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐, ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐! ๐ป๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐.
Bullish Momentum: Record Highs and Gains โ Well, folks, break out the party hats because our favorite bronco, Bucky DaBull, just celebrated his second birthday! It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming this little bull calf into the world, and now look at him โ all grown up and still bucking and charging ahead.
Not only is Bucky DaBull celebrating his two-year birthday today, but stocks are showering our bovine buddy with his favorite gift - indices hitting record all-time highs! Yep, Bucky is bullish when it comes to making greenbacks. He tells me that his saddlebags are bulging with stock certificates!
Bumpy Rides and Market Stumbles
Let me give you a quick rundown for those of you who might be new to our little rodeo. Bucky DaBull is our affectionate nickname for the bull market that started on October 12, 2022. Now, I know what you're thinking โ "Wait a minute, wasn't the market in pretty rough shape back then?" And you'd be right! That's the funny thing about bull markets โ they're born in times of pessimism when everyone's feeling down in the dumps.
So, how's our boy Bucky been doing these past two years? Well, let me tell you, he's been on quite the ride! As of his second birthday, Bucky's helped the S&P 500 gain a whopping 63%. It's not too shabby for a young Bronco, right? In addition, our little overachiever has also racked up 46 record highs since he first poked his head above the previous bull market peak back on January 3, 2022. Now, it hasn't all been smooth riding. Like any young bull, Bucky's had his share of stumbles. The market fell nearly double-digits this summer from July 16 through August 5, again, our tough as leather friend Bucky bounced back. However, you know what they say โ it's not about how many times you get thrown off; it's how many times you get back in the saddle. And boy, did Bucky get back up!
What Does the Future Hold for Bucky DaBull? Will Bucky Continue to Charge Ahead?
It's worth remembering that Bucky's journey hasn't just been about numbers on a chart. Behind those percentages and record highs are countless stories of businesses growing, innovations taking flight, and everyday investors seeing their nest eggs grow. Yes, indeed, cowhands, Bucky's been carrying the hopes and dreams of millions on his sturdy shoulders.
Preparing for the Next Ride
As we blow out the candles on Bucky's birthday cake (do broncos like cake?), it's natural to wonder what the future holds. Will Bucky keep charging ahead, start to slow down, or even face another market pull-back or correction? Is Bucky due for a tumble? The truth is, nobody knows for sure. The market has a way of surprising even the most competitive rodeo riders in the arena.
A Toast to Bucky's Success
Investor Lessons from Bucky's Ride โ Here is what we do know: whether Bucky keeps galloping or slows down, there will be another opportunity for smart, patient bull riders to tighten the reins and prepare for the next ride. All market cowgirls and cowboys just need to keep cool when things get bumpy, and remember that in the long run, "Bucky DaBull" has a pretty good track record of rewarding those who can stay in the saddle.
Here's to you, Bucky! Happy second birthday, you bountiful bronco. May your horns stay sharp, your hooves stay shod, and may you keep bringing smiles (and gains) to investors everywhere.
And to all of you reading this โ remember to enjoy the ride, always keep one hand on the reins, hold on to your Stetson, and give a big 'yippee ki-yay!' After all, even the tamest bull can sometimes give you a wild ride!
Now, who wants another slice of bull-themed birthday cake?
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The opinions made herein are for informational purposes and are not recommendations to any person to buy or sell any securities. The information is deemed to be reliable but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. 1st Discount Brokerage does not accept any liability for the use of this column. Readers of this column who buy or sell securities based on the information in this column are solely responsible for their actions. Investors/traders are advised to satisfy themselves before making any investment. Nothing published on this site/ article should be considered as investment advice. It's not an offer to buy or sell any security. Readers are solely responsible for their profits or losses. The writer owns shares of Apple at the time of this article.
The richest 20 per cent of the worldโs countries are now around 30 times richer than the poorest 20 per cent. The income gap between the richest and poorest countries is also persistent; although the poorest countries have become richer, they are not catching up with the most prosperous. Why? This yearโs economic sciences laureates have found new and convincing evidence for one explanation for this persistent gap โ differences in a societyโs institutions.
#NobelPrize
๐ Jobs Report Blowout! Economy Adds 254,000 Positions ๐
September's jobs report is nearly too good to be trueโitโs that promising. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1% from 4.2%, while the economy added a remarkable 254,000 nonfarm jobs, easily surpassing typical monthly gains. The private sector contributed 223,000 of those jobs, led by 202,000 in service-providing industries. Leisure and hospitality hired 78,000 workers, while government employment rose by 31,000, primarily at the local (16,000) and state (13,000) levels. Goods-producing sectors added 21,000 jobs, indicating solid demand for products and infrastructure. Financial activities and other services gained 5,000 and 4,000 jobs, respectively. Federal employment dipped by 7,000, contrasting with broader government gains. On top of it all, average hourly earnings for all employees rose by 0.4%. September showed robust growth across diverse sectors, highlighting the labor market's resilience and strength.
#JobsReport #SeptemberEmployment #UnemploymentRate #JobGrowth #LaborMarket #EconomicUpdate #NonfarmPayroll #EmploymentGrowth #WageIncrease #LaborStatistics #EconomicResilience #JobGains #WorkforceUpdate #USJobs #EconomicStrength #HourlyEarnings
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The opinions made herein are for informational purposes and are not recommendations to any person to buy or sell any securities. The information is deemed to be reliable but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. 1st Discount Brokerage does not accept any liability for the use of this letter. Readers of this letter who buy or sell securities based on the information in this column are solely responsible for their actions.
Here's a sneak peek: โ "Working Class Millionaire" Coming Soon!
"I'm thrilled to announce my upcoming book, "Working Class Millionaire," arriving on January 1st, 2025! This book would explore the paths to prosperous and purposeful living, even if you weren't born with a silver spoon.
My friend Mark Power, a self-made CEO who has "filled his flask" from the ground up with far more than spirits, captures the essence of this book in his quote, โIโm living the best life anyone has ever lived.โ
โโWelcome to Working Class Millionaire! Multimillionaires are a tribe of achievers who have worked towards turning financial dreams into reality. The path to financial sufficiency is rarely straightforward. It is a bendy, bumpy road full of uncertainties, foreboding, challenges, calculated risks, and a steadfast commitment to staying the course.
Approximately 79% of millionaires in the United States are self-made, amassing their wealth through effort rather than inheritance. Cheers to those who climbed the ladder to Working Class Millionaire (WCM) status! It is a testament to your grit, persistence, intelligence, and a wheelbarrow of good luck. This book aims to strengthen readers' financial foundations, broaden their economic knowledge, and inspire purposeful living.
As a portfolio manager, entrepreneur, consultant, and lifelong student, I have spent my adult life exploring and discerning the complexities of the global economy, including events like the 1987 market crash, the 9/11 attack, the dot-com bubble burst, the 2008 housing crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2022 inflationary surge.
In my 60s, I remain vigilant, staying current on market developments, macro trends, and microeconomic factors, a trifecta of critical areas encompassing real-time economic headlines, nuanced analysis of bull and bear markets, geopolitics, demographics, longevity, and holistic wellness.
Working Class Millionaire is about more than just wealth; it's crafting a life. From Main Street to Wall Street, from wellness to longevity. Embark upon this odyssey.
#ServicesStrong โ #GoodsBygone
With **46%** of our GDP dominated by services and goods shrinking to just **21%**, it looks like America's economic engine has traded in its hard hat for a headset! ๐ง Who needs factories when you can have food delivery apps, right? ๐ Our GDP chart is basically a giant "Services Strong, Goods Bygone" meme. Manufacturing? Thatโs so 1947. These days, we're all about the intangible economy โ where the only thing we produce is more services! ๐ป It's like an endless loop of services feeding services. So, take that, tangible goods! Who needs stuff when you can have, um, more apps? ๐ฒ Welcome to the juggernaut economy where services reign supreme and perhaps our biggest export is fast becoming social media. ๐ โโ๏ธ
#EconomyShift #ServiceEconomy #NoMoreFactories #GDPTrends #AppsOverGoods #IntangibleEconomy #ServiceDomination #SocialMediaEconomy #TechOverTangible #EconomicLoop
๐ Economic Surge: Key Drivers as of September 27, 2024 ๐
In just two months, the economy has shown remarkable growth in several key areas. Here's what stands out from the top six entries:
๐ GDP Q3-2024 Nowcast jumped to 3.1% from 2.8%, signaling accelerated economic activity and stronger growth expectations.
๐ต Final Sales increased from 2.8% to 2.9%, reflecting consistent demand and higher consumer confidence.
๐ Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) rose from 2.0% to 2.2%, showing that consumers are spending more, a critical driver of the economy.
๐ญ PCE Goods saw a significant boost, moving from 0.8% to 1.2%, indicating that demand for physical goods is climbing.
๐ Exports skyrocketed from 0.4% to 0.9%, showing increased global demand for U.S. products, strengthening the trade balance.
๐๏ธ Nonresidential Investment increased from 0.4% to 0.8%, highlighting growing business confidence and more capital investment in long-term infrastructure.
๐ Takeaway: These top six indicators reveal that both consumer spending and business investment are fueling rapid economic acceleration. Exports and nonresidential investment are providing an extra boost, pushing the GDP forecast higher.
#EconomicGrowth #GDP #ConsumerSpending #Exports #BusinessInvestment