Lest Case-Schiller S&P Housing numbers are just out:
“S&P CORELOGIC CASE-SHILLER INDEX RECORDS
3.9% ANNUAL GAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2024
Year-Over-Year
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, covering all nine U.S. census divisions, reported a 3.9% annual gain in September, down from 4.3% the previous month.
The 10-City Composite annual increase came in at 5.2%, down from 6.0% the previous month. The 20-City Composite posted a 4.6% year-over-year gain, down from 5.2% in the previous month.
New York, Cleveland and Chicago reported the highest year-over-year gains with year-over-year price increases of 7.5%, 7.1% and 6.9%, respectively.
Denver posted the smallest year-over-year growth of 0.2%.
Month-over-Month
The National Index posted a -0.1% month-over-month decrease while the 20-City and 10-City Composites both posted decreases of -0.3% and -0.4% before seasonal adjustment in September 2024.
After seasonal adjustment, the National Index posted a 0.3% increase while the 20-City and 10-City Composites posted increases of 0.2% and 0.1%.
In terms of the overall price action, this chart is a good overview.
Now, the one thing we don’t like is there is now “power calculation” of how things are rolling. In other words, in electricity, you take current times voltage and you get power – the amount of work done.
Same kind of thing applies in economics: Number of sales TIMES price and you get a total value.
These numbers – which we judge better than government efforts – don’t really give us more “power” information. Just price. Yet we appreciate what can be done with a simple voltmeter at times, so it’s all good.
Still… would be nice if they did a total value of transactions to put up against their sales price information.
Maybe in another life sometime?
After the numbers, the Dow was down a bit, the S&P up a shade and the NASDAQ is off wandering to see if there’s a new record out there somewhere. There is but it’s another 90 points, or so, uphill from here.
Write when you get rich,
George@Ure.net
Part One
As I walked up to the very ornate, carved double doors to the house they both suddenly flew open and out bounced Sammy Davis Jr. I kid you not. He was maybe an inch or two taller., but still barely hitting 5’8″., the same slicked-back hair, skinny as a rail, huge toothy smile and bright shiny eyes., and moved like a dancer – Bojangles all they way.
“Welcome.., welcome !” He announced rather loudly and stuck out his hand..,
“Good evening. I’m….”
He cut me off – ” I know who you are.., glad you could make it !” .., and shook my hand.
I looked at him a little curiously.. My hand engulfed his.
He caught my expression and replied: “Yeah, I know – people confuse me with Denzel Washington all the time !” Tossing his hands in the air for the fake exasperation and gave a huge Sammy-smile.
“I was thinking more like Sidney Poitier. How do you know who I am?”
He laugh out loud, and slapped me on the shoulder..,”., and sense of humor too ! Your the only player I have heard of on the circuit that wears a three piece suit.” He ‘deliberately’ looked me over.., “Black cowboy boots., tailored black suit, high-collar black silk shirt – nice, black tie with silver stick pin.., yep – I know who you are.., and you are most welcomed.., come in.., come in..,” and he bounded up the steps and into the house.
Thus was my introduction to the Host – “You won’t soon forget him.” Is what Lady Fingers had told me. She was right. What a character. I had the feeling that he has been the life-of-the-party.., the “entertaining host” for his entire life. The center of it all. I could see him singing and dancing at his third birthday party for all the kids in attendance. Sammy Davis reincarnated. ., and it wasn’t fake, it was who he was and he loved it.
The game room was a short elevator ride down. The room was huge., low lighting, sound adsorbing ceiling panels. The round, heavy wood card table was designed for eight – but there were only four chairs. I think it was an antique. Dealer and three players. My center of the universe for next few hours. No thinning out the herd of players this time. This was set up for three good players from the start.., which I why I decided to go. “There’s one player going you should met. He’s pretty good.” – as Lady Fingers told me. “Considered one of the best., this side of the Mississippi. Good luck !”
Whether it was arrogance, or curiosity – I have a good supply of both – but, I had to see for myself, this “One of the Best”.., and could I actually compete on that level? Guess I still love a good challenge.
– end of part one
Part Two
The Host was bouncing around the room making sure “everyone had everything” – laughing loudly and joking around. Over in one corner stood two NBA players. Both black, around 6’8″ and dressed in knee length brightly colored African shirts – not players.., The Bank? They both were watching the room closely. Never seen two ‘Banks’ before’. [ turned out to be friends and occasional body guards of the Host.] Leaning up against the carved, dark wood bar and watching me closely was the Dealer. The same Dealer I had at the game at the Columbia River Gorge winery a few weeks back. Drives the early 60’s British Racing Green convertible MG – out of Nevada. He tipped his glass of ice water at me and I nodded back and smiled. One familiar face. [ Note-To-Self: It is not good to become friends with a pro-dealer – it can raise too many questions.]
Directly across from me two men in their late forties were talking. They knew each other. One looked across the room and locked-eyes with me. There he was, there was my ‘challenge’. “One of the Best.” I nodded politely – he just looked away. So.., he also likes playing the hard-ass, I told myself. I wasn’t wrong. And now I had a good reason not to like him. ., and for the rest of the night he never once met my eyes again., except right at the last.
The other man saw me and walked around the room, stuck-out his hand and introduced himself. Friendly enough. Weak handshake, expert manicure., thick Southern accent that he played-up – but harmless enough. And one of the biggest damn gold watches I have ever seen. Nugget and diamond encrusted behemoth of a watch.
“My good luck charm.” He leaned in a little., “Never wear it in public.” and smiled. I smiled back – “I can understand why.” I replied. “I don’t think you would get very far down the street wearing that.” He laughed. Someone who is good at what he does, but doesn’t take himself too seriously – I liked that.
The host floated-up onto a chair near the bar. “Gentlemen, shall we get this party started !?” and motioned towards the card table.
As everyone started to move towards the table, I walked over to the two NBA players. One of the few times in my life that I had to look-up slightly to meet someone’s eyes. Stuck out my hand and introduced myself. They both broke their “very serious” expressions and smiled broadly, shook my hand and wished me luck. I broke the tension for them and they did seem a little more at-ease. [ Having big muscle behind me all night – I wanted them on my side.]
I walked back to the table, they were all standing around looking.., so I walked to the chair that was opposite of the Dealer, right were I like to sit and took-up residence. “One of the Best” quickly took the chair to my right [ he had a plan ] – Player Number One., and “Gold Watch” took the chair to my left – Player Number Three.
The Dealer sat down and motioned to one of the Banks. The one with the ear rings walked over and handed the Dealer a new deck. The chips were unique – like the host. They were heavy black clay with the denomination in polished silver embedded in the center. $20 – $50 – $100 – and two $500. Very well made., probably custom ordered.
I pulled out my old, worn-out flask., took a sip and screwed the dented cap back on. The Dealer smiled wide. [He remembered.]
.., and we were off………………,
– end of part two
Part Three
Four hours later – three new decks – and a third of the way through my flask of Blanton’s bourbon.
After a half an hour break we came back to the table. “Gold Watch” had made a couple big mistakes and it cost him – he’s been whittled down and is now playing way to cautiously – he’ll drop-out soon enough. “One of the Best” constantly over-bets his hand. And it looked deliberate. I could ‘not’ figure it out. I guess no one ever told him that you can’t intimidate by “playing angry”. He is winning most of the small pots but losing ‘all’ of the big ones – and is getting visibly frustrated. I worked from that angle for the last coupe of hours., and had one his $500 chip already. His temperature is rising as fast as his chips were disappearing.
The Dealer cracked open a new deck and with the first hand I bluffed. First time all night. I don’t bluff very often. The timing of a good solid bluff is hard to work – but when you are dealt the position – it should be used as a weapon – a Claymore. . He never saw it coming. “Gold Watch” folded – I think he did see it. I glanced at the Dealer.., he sat back and was now watching “One of the Best”. He ‘did’ see it. “One of the best” folded. I just took “One of the Best” for over twenty-two hundred, and though he folded, I didn’t have to show my cards., but I did, deliberately – I flipped my bottom card over.., a pair of fours.
He stood up quickly and threw his cards into the pot and glared at me. I wasn’t through with him and smiled – and he just realized it. He stood there and I sat back and hooked my thumb into my vest pocket touching the ivory handle of my 410 derringer.
He scooped up his remaining chips and walked over to ‘The Bank’ [ as both of them were closing in behind him.] and handed them over – he was cashing out. Reckless and a coward to boot. How was he “One of the Best” ?? There’s loosing a hand and there’s loosing your cool.
From the bar – where the Host was sitting.., sipping on a very large mint julep – I heard him say: “Oh, my !”
The two Banks counted his chips – twice and then counted out his cash – twice.., and he left the room without saying a word. Sammy Davis pointed at one of the Banks then at “One of the Best” as he left the room. The 6’8″ Bank [ without earrings] followed him out of the room – escort to the front door ? I wouldn’t have trusted him either. The guy has problems.
The Host floated across the room, did a quick two-step and stood by the table. “Gentlemen I would like to humbly apologize.” and he bowed at the waist. “I was told he was one of the best players around.”
The Dealer spoke up. “I have never dealt him before – but he is “not” one of the best.”
“Gold Watch” played with a couple of chips.., “He was sure angry about something. You could feel it.”
I grinned at the Host – “May be he just received his divorce papers.”
The Host broke out laughing – “That would do it., wouldn’t it.., I should know !” and sat down in the empty chair. “How about we play a few friendly hands and call it a night?” He beamed his big toothy smile at everyone. I think he was embarrassed on how the game ended., in ‘his’ house.
We played four more hands., no betting and the whole time the host was cracking jokes and trying to lighten the mood in the room. He did pretty well. The Host won one., Dealer won one., “Gold Watch” won two. I folded on two and lost the other two.
.., end part three
Black SOUL I : your comment from the other day I’m posting here, as it depicts a clear example of how the MSM fintech channels are part and parcel with the Kabuki Theater Op, which means mis-information is fed to all you retail investors to scare you off, You are “muppets” as they like to say at JPM LOL. [ I like the term lettuce hands] .
“They cant stop whats coming( https://www.zerohedge.com/crypto/bitcoin-repo-cantor-completes-deal-tether-crypto-lending-platform-takes-shape )…though this point is mute for G-Pops because..
..everyone repeat the following;
“NO Bitcoin for G”
“I’m a man with a one track mind
So much to do in one lifetime (People do you hear me?)
Not a man for compromise
and “wheres” and “whys” and living lies
So I’m living it all(Yes, living it all)
And I’m giving it all(And I’m giving it all,oh yeah)
(yeah, yeah,yeah) – Queen/ I want it all -https://youtu.be/hFDcoX7s6rE?si=oavVZsCB_nw56xoy”
Example: Better get your USDT converted to Crypto or other assets as the EU has threatened to remove non MICA compliant coins from the EU Bourses by 31, December. [ We’ll call that the manufacturers Black Swan].
https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/14711384853401
BUT: Emerging from behind the scenes, we see Cantor Fitzgerald [think huge US bond concern], buying a stake in Tether]. The Buy Dan Black Swan Op on Crypto via Tether de-listing has been Trumped.
But the real elephant in the room? You crash Tether you crash the collateral underneath. Guess what that would be Home Gamers? US Treasuries….. You cant make this stuff up, or maybe you can if you are part of the [insert NGO here] team….
Cryptos that have real world use case and are “finternet” compliant [cred: Augustus Carlson, BIS] will stick around. the rest are ? ones and zeros.
https://www.bis.org/publ/work1178.htm
Strap in Home Gamers the Kabuki distractions are just starting. We’ll done team Trump. Got Crypto?
P-3
Four hours later – three new decks – and a third of the way through my flask of Blanton’s bourbon.
After a half an hour break, we came back to the table. “Gold Watch” had made a couple big mistakes and it cost him – he’s been whittled down and is now playing way to cautiously – he’ll drop-out soon enough. “One of the Best” constantly over-bets his hand. And it looked deliberate. I could ‘not’ figure it out. I guess no one ever told him that you can’t intimidate by “playing angry”. He is winning most of the small pots but losing ‘all’ of the big ones – and is getting visibly frustrated. I worked from that angle for the last couple of hours., and had one his $500 chip already. His temperature was rising as fast as his chips were disappearing.
The Dealer cracked open a new deck and with the first hand I bluffed. First time all night. I don’t bluff very often. The timing of a good solid bluff is hard to work – but when you are dealt the position – it should be used as a weapon – a Claymore. He never saw it coming. “Gold Watch” folded – I think he did see it. I glanced at the Dealer.., he sat back and was now watching “One of the Best”. He ‘did’ see it. “One of the best” folded. I just took “One of the Best” for over twenty-two hundred, and though he folded, I didn’t have to show my cards., but I did, deliberately – I flipped my bottom card over.., a pair of fours.
He stood up quickly and threw his cards into the pot and glared at me. I wasn’t through with him and smiled – and he just realized it. He stood there and I sat back and hooked my thumb into my vest pocket touching the ivory handle of my 410 derringer.
He scooped up his remaining chips and walked over to ‘The Bank’ [ as both of them were closing in behind him.] and handed them over – he was cashing out. Reckless and a coward to boot. How was he “One of the Best” ?? There’s losing a hand and there’s losing your cool.
From the bar – where the Host was sitting.., sipping on a very large mint julep – I heard him say: “Oh, my !”
The two Banks counted his chips – twice and then counted out his cash – twice.., and he left the room without saying a word. Sammy Davis pointed at one of the Banks then at “One of the Best” as he left the room. The 6’8″ Bank [ without earrings] followed him out of the room – escort to the front door ? I wouldn’t have trusted him either. The guy has problems.
The Host floated across the room, did a quick two-step and stood by the table. “Gentlemen I would like to humbly apologize.” and he bowed at the waist. “I was told he was one of the best players around.”
The Dealer spoke up. “I have never dealt him before – but he is “not” one of the best.”
“Gold Watch” played with a couple of chips.., “He was sure angry about something. You could feel it.”
I grinned at the Host – “Maybe he just received his divorce papers.”
The Host broke out laughing – “That would do it., wouldn’t it.., I should know !” and sat down in the empty chair. “How about we play a few friendly hands and call it a night?” He beamed his big toothy smile at everyone. I think he was embarrassed on how the game ended., in ‘his’ house.
We played four more hands., no betting and the whole time the host was cracking jokes and trying to lighten the mood in the room. He did pretty well. The Host won one., Dealer won one., “Gold Watch” won two. I folded on two and lost the other two.
.., end part three