Inflation – UI Filings – a Christmas Reality Check

Fresh coffee at the ready? We’ve got markets trying to figure out when the AI Bubble is over, how high silver will go on prospects of use in solid-state batteries, and a better-than-even chance of a major ground war in Europe in ’26.  So, lots of moving pieces to worry about.  But that’s (more or … Read More

A Systematic Approach to 2026

Many things in motion, now. Yes — we’re on the new publishing platform, and it should be much more phone-friendly. Here’s today’s stack: Retail Sales and a few other useful headlines. Then the ChartPack. Followed by 2026: The Art of Winning Slowly – Part 2, where we apply what we know about futuring and how … Read More

Finally! Job Numbers – Why AI Lies

The Jobs report has just landed. Total nonfarm payroll employment changed little in November (+64,000) and has shown little net change since April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. In November, the unemployment rate, at 4.6 percent, was little changed from September. Employment rose in health care and construction in November, while federal … Read More

Market Bounce on BTR, “Second Christmas” & Engineering Woo-Woo

Today’s agenda is simple: Hard, soft, and out there.  The hard part is markets are trying to shake off the Friday (small Elliott 1) down.  Tempering Christmas with management skills.  And best of all? A great investment of time in “soul level work” looms over holidays. BTR: Market Made Simple Stocks fell on their ass Friday.  … Read More

ShopTalk Sunday: Live Like You’re Rich in ’26

Ready for a little  “And now for something completely different” (nods to Monty Python) perspective?  We’re sneaking up on New Year’s and time to ante up for 2026. ShopTalk’s Nod to Chairman Mao What’s a MAGA leaning old guy talking about China, for?  Simply: If they did everything wrong, they wouldn’t be kicking our ass … Read More

The “Jumbo Jitters”

We began to mention the possibility of a “Slaughter of the Elves II” back in early October.  Now, a couple of months later, we still have it on the table and time is running out,. Normally, at this time of year, we would be doing the regular Saturday fare (mainly the ChartPack).  But events justify … Read More

Fed Prints a Rally, Ready Cash Runs Short, and a Runaway Santa Story

Agenda today:  G.A. Stewart is recovering nicely from his triple bypass, the Fed is doing a trillion more of made-up money (which, gee, might explain the market rally, and the biggest problem for people is the threat of an emergency driving them onto the financial rocks. Fed – Print, Print, Print The markets continued tearing … Read More

Personal Notes: G.A. Stewart’s Doing Fine

Reader Advisory: I just called  G.A. Stewart to check in.  As most know he went in for a heart operation Wednesday. Well, here it is – Thursday evening” and looks like they will be sending Stu home Sunday afternoon. Damn – that’s fast for a triple by-pass. Keep up the prayers – He’s an important … Read More

Post Fed Market, F4A AI Grab, Hideout Delivery Day

The Agenda is full as we head into Data Discovery week – which is when Inflation and Retail show up for confession. But lots of moving pieces to consider ahead of that. Breaking: International Trade  Goods and Services picture was set to drop this morning from Census.  Against a backdrop of the US Oil tanker … Read More

Free Money Day!

Fed decision  is out – and if you’re a billionaire in the swim with a new IPO, who loves you? The Fed just issued this: Available indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace. Job gains have slowed this year, and the unemployment rate has edged up through September. More recent … Read More

Winning Slowly in 2026

Getting rich fast?  No one we know.  And things don’t look much easier when the calendar rolls over in 22-days. But getting rich slowly works for us.  And so our first major 2026 planning document lands this morning.  It’s a compilation of life stories, financial basics, and learning to “run the clock” to your advantage … Read More

NFIB Drifts Up, As Goes Advertising, Brisqi’ing the Day

There is – as usual – much to talk about. But with our “action over loose talk” mindset here, we’re becoming almost ruthless in cutting through “news filler” and “emo-clicks.” Because – in the end – it better be a spend, or it’s out, my friend. Breaking: Numbers Just out: “WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 9, 2025) – … Read More

Calm Before in Markets, Zylenskyy Locked? 85″ Updates

Just 18 Shopping Days until Christmas,.  Only 7 to Channuka, which is Dec. 14th.  Most important: Only 24-days to load in champagne ahead of New Year’s Eve. Which to us?  Gender-questionable.  (Everyone’s balls drop…) [rimshot] Fact4Actition:  BTR This Week? Fact: Next week delivers a rare triple punch of economic data — U.S. Inflation (CPI), Employment … Read More