Job Cuts, Shortages on Horizon, Market’s Paradox

Ure has turned over a new leaf:  shorter reports. Just not today. Job Cuts First Second horse pick in the weekly financial trifecta:  Challenger Job Cuts: “Job Cuts Rise 15% in March 2023, Up 319% from Same Month Last Year, Highest Q1 Since 2020 | Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. (challengergray.com) Which then continues with … Read More

A “Step on the Dragon’s Tail”

Another adventure in our (partially) fictional Directorate 153 series of “fictionalized governmental speculations.”  We began to use this metaphorical framework when it became apparent to many “sources” that it could be personally hazardous to come right out publicly and explain what’s really going on in background.  Things most people are not aware of. Subscribers are … Read More

Manic Markets – Turning Tuesday? Gag Don?

Scrying Future ain’t easy work.  Some fellows use language shifts on social media streams, others refer to oddly Greek-named computers,  More press sound effects buttons on TV. And, sure enough, as you’d expect (since much of the future comes down to close – nearly 50-50 chances anyway) everyone will either be right.  Or, have a ready … Read More

Snoozing the Easter Week Roll – Jobs and Naps

Let’s face it, were it not for Trump’s planned arraignment tomorrow, most of the news media could shut down for a week and no one would be the wiser.  Even with an arraignment, this will likely be a “slow roller” because Donald Trump may delay his jury trial for a YEAR despite showing up for an … Read More

ShoptTalk Sunday: The Marquis de Yard and Mow

Our usual Sunday commentary on the non-news, non-financial aspects of Life nearly didn’t happen this morning.  Due to a chance encounter with the Marquis de Yard. Unlike the Marquis de Sade, whose works are horny, sketchy, and mean at some levels, the Marquis de Yard was supposed to provide a good time.  A few hours with … Read More

American Weimar?

Was Friday’s run up into the close the end of a blow-off top?  Or, only the beginning of a mass hyperinflation?  Because signs are pointing in both directions. If it happens, we will have to blame the Powell Expedient Fed.  Because an odd thing happens in America:  Squeakiest wheels get the most “grease.”  And we … Read More

Trump Indicted, Personal Income, Cost of Honesty

American Justice no longer works. It leaks.  And the indictment reports about Donald Trump speak directly to this point. If you’re just onboarding, the NY Post  reported Donald Trump indicted in Stormy Daniels hush money probe by Manhattan grand jury. Other media have some differences in the charges.  The Post is over two dozen, CNN … Read More

Rallying On: GDP and U.I. Filings

Say, there’s a symbiotic relationship for you.  Let’s roll the Gross Domestic Product out first.  Because you have already suspected what the real agenda of higher prices has been. Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 2.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2022 (table 1), according to the “third” estimate released … Read More

Our Next “Mad Scientist” Project

Old Man Labs here is planning another project. This one gets into the realms of the really weird.  But trust me, it will sound like fun (interesting?) when I walk you through it. For those who haven’t been around as long as this site – which will be 25-years in September (basis UrbanSurvival.com web domain) … Read More

There Goes Housing – Slowly, Though

Latest Case-Shiller/S&P report just out: “Data released today for January 2023 show that the trend of declining home price gains continued across the United States with declining prices reported in the San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, and Seattle markets. YEAR-OVER-YEAR The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, covering all nine U.S. census … Read More

Housing Ahead, Fresh Data Drops, World of Crazies

I’ve been up since 1 AM today, working on our “next big thing” over on the Peoplenomics side.  This report will be available for subscribers tomorrow morning.  Beside some neat “science of consciousness” work we’ll present the anatomy of a day trade which “bought lunch” for us Monday. Housing data will be out at 8 … Read More

Hype in Mire Monday – Sketchy Week Ahead?

Why, looking at the early futures (Dow +200) you’d think that the skies were about to part and the rally into the close Friday might continue. ‘fraid not. But, the good news for old day traders is that the markets always “swing” so there’s usually a lunch money trade, or two, lying around.  Still, it’s … Read More

ShopTalk Sunday: 3D Printer Blunder, Spring Workout

Ah, the Country Life.  Yessir, if you live in the Big City, it’s a dream.  Why, just imagine! Eating fresh food out of your own garden.  Pure country air.  No traffic noises. Low stress.  Ultimately relaxing and rewarding…. Well, no.  Not exactly. During our ShopTalk Sunday adventures will tell you the upside – and the downsides … Read More