Charts & Chat - August 18, 2024

This week, CEO Eric Boyce, CFA discusses: 1. the recent inflation reports, which were better than expected & allow the Fed to lower rates next month 2. positive retail sales highlights the resiliency of the consumer 3. manufacturing somewhat stable, mixed commodities, strong growth from community banks 4. housing remained mired in slump, although borrowing rates lower 5. national debt, interest expense moving higher - potential crowding out of government spending 6. expected earnings growth for S&P 500 remains favorable; margins/probability stable; equal weight index remains at a significant value discount to the overall S&P 500  7. Money flows from retail and foreign investors has been robust 8. China real estate and banking remain in a funk...