It would be a lot easier to talk about the economy and what it looks like in the US if we were getting official government out. We know that Friday we were supposed to get that jobs report. Another jobs report delayed.When you take a look at all the different sources that we have alternative measures of data and you try to really string them all together. What is the state of the labor market right now. I would say squishy.Employment growth has been very soft, but obviously there's been a slowdown in supply ...

I think they're voting against what they're seeing in the president's administration. Whatever Trump is doing is it's a little bit insane out there. So most of people are just changing sides and voting against that.So that means unfortunately voting, you know, Democrat or independent versus Republican. Chitterelli has uh more experience than Cheryl. I think he's better to handle all the problems that we're facing right now, especially all these prices going up.Normal folks can't afford things anymore. ...

Core Insights - The dollar index is currently consolidating below the 100 level, indicating a bearish trend for 2025 [2] - The index has shown a pattern of lower highs and lower lows from January to September 2025, suggesting ongoing weakness [3] - Recent inflation data indicates pressures above the Fed's 2% target, which may lead to further rate cuts, negatively impacting the dollar index [5] Dollar Index Trends - The dollar index has been consolidating in a range of 96.22 to 100.26 since August 4, 2025, reflecting a bearish sentiment [4] - The index has made higher lows and higher highs since the low on September 17, but remains near the bottom of its trading range for 2025 [4] Inflation and Interest Rates - The September consumer and producer price index data hovered around 3%, indicating inflationary pressures that are still above the Fed's target but below the current Fed Funds Rate [5] - The Fed's recent rate cut of 25 basis points further narrows the rate differential between the U.S. dollar and other reserve currencies, contributing to a bearish outlook for the dollar index [5] Gold Market Dynamics - Gold has surpassed the euro to become the second most widely used currency, reflecting a decline in fiat currency values, including the U.S. dollar [6] - COMEX gold futures have rallied nearly 59% from the end of 2024, reaching a high of $4,398 per ounce, although they have corrected to around $4,000 in early November [7]

Joining me now to discuss is First Watched CEO Chris Tomaso. Thank you so much for being here, Chris. I mean, really interesting report here.Obviously, you're seeing same store sales growth, but it's not without some other pressures on the business, other cost pressures. Can you talk through what you saw, I guess, first of all, on the front end when it comes to diners, how many diners are coming in um and and what they're actually buying, if they're shying away from any price increases you've had to do beca ...

Market Overview - The market is experiencing a risk-off sentiment, with major indices showing declines, particularly the Nasdaq down about 1.1% [2][96] - Concerns over high valuations are impacting stock performance, especially following strong earnings reports from companies like Palantir [5][96] Palantir Technologies - Palantir reported strong third-quarter results, exceeding expectations with a run rate of over $4 billion and a growth rate of 63% [8][15] - Despite strong fundamentals, Palantir's stock is facing valuation concerns, trading at a price-to-sales ratio of approximately 85, the highest in the S&P 500 [11][12] - The company's government business grew by 50%, indicating strong demand for its services [9][15] - Analysts suggest that the stock's decline is more related to market sentiment rather than its financial performance [10][20] Uber Technologies - Uber's third-quarter revenue beat expectations, but concerns about future growth due to the potential impact of autonomous vehicles are weighing on its stock [27][28] - The introduction of autonomous vehicles could disrupt Uber's business model, leading to uncertainty about its future profitability [29][30] - Despite rising gross bookings, the market remains cautious about Uber's long-term outlook due to technological risks [32][34] Spotify Technology - Spotify reported strong third-quarter results, beating expectations on sales and user growth, and is planning for a leadership transition [41][42] - The company faces potential risks from consumer spending cuts, but its subscription service is seen as integral to users' lives [45][46] - Spotify's ad-supported revenue fell by 8% year-over-year, indicating challenges in its advertising model [48][49] General Market Sentiment - The overall market is experiencing a correction, with many tech stocks facing scrutiny over their valuations amid concerns of an AI bubble [96][102] - Companies like Nvidia and AMD are highlighted as key players in the AI space, but their valuations are considered frothy given the current market conditions [101][102] - Investors are advised to focus on companies with solid fundamentals and realistic growth prospects amidst the high valuation environment [104][115]

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial requirements for maintaining a $300,000 annual lifestyle in retirement, emphasizing the need for substantial savings to ensure comfort after leaving the workforce [1][3]. Retirement Savings Strategy - The 4% rule is introduced as a guideline for retirees, suggesting that individuals can withdraw 4% of their savings annually, adjusted for inflation, to sustain their lifestyle over a 30-year retirement period [2][3]. - To fund a $300,000 annual lifestyle, an individual would need to save $7.5 million, as $300,000 represents 4% of this amount [4]. Inflation Considerations - The impact of inflation is highlighted, indicating that by the 30th year of retirement, withdrawals would need to exceed double the initial amount to maintain purchasing power, given the current inflation rate of 2.9% [3][4]. Social Security Impact - With Social Security benefits factored in, retirees could potentially manage with less than $7 million in savings. The average monthly benefit is approximately $2,008.31, leading to a reduced first-year withdrawal requirement of $275,900 [5]. - The adjusted savings target, considering Social Security, would allow for a $6.9 million fund to last for 30 years under the 4% rule [5]. Withdrawal Projections - Specific withdrawal amounts over the years are provided, illustrating the growth needed to keep pace with inflation: Year 1 at $300,000, Year 2 at $308,700, Year 10 at $400,000, Year 20 at $533,000, and Year 30 at $710,000 [6].

Inflation and a weakening jobs market in recent months have made it harder for Americans to save and make ends meet. A recent report on employee financial wellness from Payroll Integrations found that nearly 46% of Generation Z workers have used some of their retirement savings just to get by, compared with 31% for millennials. Don't Miss: The crucial part of the data was that young adults are using their retirement savings not for luxuries or travel, but to handle basic financial needs. About 42% of the ...

Core Viewpoint - McDonald's is expected to report earnings per share of approximately $3.33, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of about 3%, which is on the lower end due to rising input and labor costs [2][3] Financial Performance - The stock is currently trading at $296 with a dividend yield of 2.5%, and there is potential for dividend growth over the next four quarters [4] - The company has maintained a profit margin of around 30%, although it has seen a slight decline from previous years [12] Market Conditions - Inflation pressures are easing, which may provide macro benefits moving forward [6][8] - The company is implementing a $40 million marketing budget to support franchisees and drive sales through discounted menu items [7][8] Consumer Behavior - The unemployment rate is low, indicating consumers have jobs and healthy balance sheets, which supports spending [14] - McDonald's has introduced a value menu and revived promotional campaigns like Monopoly to enhance brand loyalty and drive volume [15] Sales Expectations - The company is targeting a same-store sales growth of 2%, which is considered a low bar for performance [9] - The stock is trading at approximately 21 times forward earnings, suggesting favorable conditions for growth [16] Investment Strategy - Options market indicates a less than 3% expected move post-earnings, with a bullish sentiment reflected in trading strategies [17][18] - A proposed strategy involves a call vertical spread, indicating a bullish outlook with a break-even point just above the current share price [19][20]

Our monthly market valuation updates have long had the same conclusion: US stock indexes are significantly overvalued, which suggests cautious expectations for investment returns. This analysis focuse... ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut aims to stimulate a slowing economy, but persistent inflation and rising living costs are limiting its effectiveness for households and businesses [1][2][3]. Group 1: Federal Reserve Actions - The Fed has reduced the benchmark interest rate to a range of 3.75% to 4.00%, making borrowing cheaper to encourage spending and job growth [1][5]. - Despite the rate cut, many Federal Reserve officials express concerns that inflation remains "too high," complicating the path toward the central bank's 2% inflation target [2][3]. Group 2: Economic Context - Rising costs for groceries, rent, and utilities are impacting households, leading to a lack of relief despite the Fed's monetary policy adjustments [2]. - The upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting on December 9-10 is expected to involve significant debate regarding the Fed's approach to managing inflation and economic growth [2][4]. Group 3: Data Considerations - The Fed's decision-making is currently hampered by a lack of government data due to a shutdown, forcing reliance on private data sources like ADAP payrolls and state unemployment figures [5][6][9]. - The absence of critical monthly economic indicators presents challenges for the Fed in balancing its dual mandate of price stability and low unemployment [9].