Longview Economics says investors should tread carefully with stocks as something was broken with Friday's selloff last week. ...

The stock market's selloff on news of tariff escalation shows the president is in a difficult position. ...

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that despite media reports of a "new high" and investor optimism driven by lower interest rates and AI speculation, consumer spending remains a critical support for the economy, and current consumer sentiment indicates significant pessimism, suggesting a potential fragile peak in the stock market [2][4][6] - Consumer sentiment readings from the University of Michigan show that both current and expected sentiments are at similar lows, indicating a longer-term pessimism among consumers that could weaken major purchase plans [4][5] - The stock market's rise is not supported by strong fundamentals, as important metrics within the S&P 500 are deteriorating, leading to a potential surprise selloff if consumer sentiment does not improve [5][6] Group 2 - The media often misrepresents the suddenness of stock market selloffs, which are typically anticipated by savvy investors who begin selling quietly before a downturn occurs [7][8] - Wall Street investors tend to reposition themselves before discussing market problems publicly, indicating that selloffs do not happen without prior warning signs [7][8]

Group 1 - Verizon Communications reported better-than-expected second-quarter results and raised its full-year guidance, marking its 35th consecutive year of being recognized for the best wireless network quality by J.D. Power [1] - The company's forward price-to-earnings ratio is below 9.2, significantly lower than the S&P 500's forward earnings multiple of 22.7, indicating that Verizon's shares are not priced for perfection [8] - Verizon's business is largely resistant to the impact of tariffs and overall economic downturns, as wireless services are considered essential by consumers [10] Group 2 - The company is on track to close the acquisition of Frontier Communications in early 2026, which is expected to boost growth [12] - Verizon's forward dividend yield is 6.3%, providing a strong foundation for delivering double-digit percentage total returns, supported by an increase in free cash flow expected this year [13]