Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

September inflation was moderate, Except for . . .

Except for fictitious shelter and vehicle repairs, September inflation was moderate  – by New Deal democrat With the main exception of fictitious shelter, consumer inflation in September remained relatively subdued, but as anticipated has stopped decelerating. First I’ll look at the headlines, then the problem children. Total inflation (blue in the graph below) rose 0.4% […]

Pure, unadulterated evil is unleashed on this world

One has to ask how we have reached this point in the Middle East. There are many actions taken which have maligned Palestinians and Arabs. If we allow the Gaza to be abandoned by Palestinians due to terrorists, who follows? This sounds too much like the growth of Israel at the expense of the Palestinians. […]

September producer prices confirm economic tailwind has ended

September producer prices confirm economic tailwind has ended  – by New Deal democrat My strong suspicion has been that the tailwind of declining commodity prices, typified by the big decline in gas prices in late 2022 is what allowed the US economy to grow so well so far this year, blunting the effects of major […]

Middle Eastern turmoil and gas and oil prices

A note on Middle Eastern turmoil and gas and oil prices  – by New Deal democrat While we wait for producer and consumer inflation data later this week, here’s a note about gas prices. With the newest shock in the Middle East, conventional wisdom is that the price of oil and gas will spike. And […]

12% of Americans are eating half of the nation’s beef

Men and Older Americans Eat the Most Beef, businessinsider.com, Catherine Boudreau Just 12% of Americans are eating half of the nation’s beef — the ‘Hummer of animal proteins.’ Americans savoring the last bits of summer on Labor Day weekend might have been barbecuing, picnicking, or trying a new restaurant. If so, there is a good […]

Weapons Manufacturer Ditches Blue State, Moves South to Get Out of the Heat

Weapons Gun Manufacturer Ditches Blue State, Moves South, America Insider Carver Malone. NRA Executive Director of Advancement Tyler Schropp . . . “This move is a testament to their enduring legacy, their commitment to firearm excellence, and to the importance of preserving America’s gun industry and Second Amendment rights in a fair environment.” “Representing millions […]

September 2023 jobs report: a look at leading indicators

Scenes from the September jobs report: a look at leading indicators  – by New Deal democrat Today is a holiday, so no new economic news. So let’s take a look at some of the leading indicators I was tracking last week for the employment report, and some leading indicators for the economy within that report […]

New Deal democrats Weekly Indicators for October 2-6 2023

If you get a chance, wander over to Seeking Alpha and read New Deal democrat’s very thorough take on the economy. You can set up a fee, limited account there. AB Weekly Indicators for October 2 – 6 at Seeking Alpha  – by New Deal democrat My Weekly Indicators post is up at Seeking Alpha. While interest […]

Open Thread October 9, 2023 Civilian Lives

A Jewish American Living in Berlin, Matt De Vlieger, “Not all civilians are equal: 3,803 Palestinians, 177 Israelis since 2008.” The concern for civilian lives appears to waver, leaning disproportionately towards one side. Spare me your war stories. This old Marine Sergeant does not care to hear them. The Gaza is six miles wide. It […]