Optical Speculation

Software mirrors psychology, as we figure it.  And important consideration when trying not just to sort out what the ChartPack hints at, but a whole field of research in and of itself. You see, we don’t get much training in how to use the components of mind:  There’s a graphics layer, a data table view…all … Read More

DeSantis’ Worm Can: Free vs. PAID Web Speech

“The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions,” says an old (Ure) family saying.  Further on it says “And it’s lined with idiots watching…”  Now, we’re thinking the Road routes through Florida. At issue are misleading headlines.  Like Florida bill would require bloggers who write about governor to register with the state | WFLA.  … Read More

Woke Desperation, Market Sags

This whole “Woke” thing is on the rocks.  But, sadly, not giving up without a fight. Case #1:  Lightfoot Out As we told subscribers:  “Woke Got Fired.”  As The Hill reports: The Memo: Lightfoot is latest Democrat to fall to anger over crime.  Nor will Lightfoot likely be the last.  We hear from people in Oregon, … Read More

The Leading Edge of Tainter

While in the shower Monday morning, one of those “Doh!” moments hit me. I won’t spoil the (deep) thought, but it explains nearly 100 percent of what’s going on both socially and economically around the world today. If you want to understand news headlines, read Joseph Tainter. Which we will lay out – vastly simplified … Read More

Sliding Down Housing

Despite the upward bias in markets, we again may be the only people who can read, around here. S&P CORELOGIC CASE-SHILLER INDEX DECLINE CONTINUED IN DECEMBER NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 28, 2023: S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) today released the latest results for the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices, the leading measure of U.S. home prices. … Read More

Retirement at 70? Housing Due, Broiling

We have been telling you for years:  If you are young, don’t expect to retire until at least 68 – and as of this morning it looks like the FRA (full retirement age) could be bumped to 70. Take a careful read of A bipartisan group of Senators is talking about raising the retirement age … Read More

Bipolar Markets, Commissar Biden, and Marsala

Bipolar disorder is a great place to start.  Although, like gout, BPD does come with some benefits.  Like super creativity – depending on where you are in the cycle.  Over on the subscriber side, I’ve been working on the market BPD indicator.  Which as the preopen today was trying to tell us: On the subscriber … Read More

FoodTalk Sunday: $249 Chocolate Chip Cookie

The ShopTalk Sunday column is about making things to eat.  But not just any things.  There’s the whole aspect of doing of things to perfection woven into the mix, too. Which leads directly to Tuesday’s disaster which rippled to within inches of becoming a $249 Chocolate Chip Cookie. However, many “Foodie” things are “cooking” here. 1- We will … Read More

Markets Breaking Ice, Woo-woo

You could almost hear the ice breaking under the weight of bloated markets this week.  But the REAL trouble is apparent in this morning’s ChartPack where our rhymes with 1929 work says things are likely to go polyphonic. Plus, we’ll kick off with a “woo-woo” commentary – first person – and tell you about one … Read More

Crypto Fin-Bomb, Personal Income, CPU-Woo II

When I checked early this morning, Crypto’s leader (BTC) was down into the $23,800 range.  Considering the high this week was over $25,000 three days ago; this was hardly encouraging news. The story out Thursday that got very little play was a joint statement by the Federal Reserve, Comptroller of the Currency, and FDIC.  Bottom … Read More

GDP, CFNAI, And a Computer Mystery

Although the new GDP (gross domestic product) report is out, I want to tell you why it’s a bad indicator in many ways.  All has to do with inflation. So, pretend you show up at a used car lot.  You need a beater for getting to work.  You spy some 20-year old import and the … Read More

Crossing Trends Analysis

Wherein we put on our Casino hat (which looks suspiciously like green eyeshades) and take a whack at beating the House. Because there are times when crossing trends do matter. Even though we botch specific bets badly (don’t ask about being stopped out Tuesday) we still love matching wits with the Odds. Of course, more … Read More

Time Closes In – Markets Boo Biden Boo-Boo

Our “Monday on Tuesday” ponder is this matter of whether time is a pure notion, or one vastly misunderstood. I mean, conventional thinking is that time is relatively linear in how it works.  You go 5,280-feet in one minute and it’s a nice 60-(statute) miles-per-hour.  Over large spans of time, therefore, linearity seems to work. Scales … Read More