Good morning.

Has Amazon started a trend?

The White House is in full anger mode today over an action taken by Amazon that is being called a “hostile and political act” … but I am not sure I blame Jeff Bezos.  After all, tariffs have started and … contrary to claims by the administration … it is not countries that pay for these (at least not directly) but companies and … yes … you and me.  Amazon is adding to some orders an extra “tariff effect fee” … and making this so visible puts this issue front-and-center for purchasers to see.

I feel the fear is that others will follow suit … I mean … Adidas announced it is raising prices due to tariffs so a better strategy could be just to add the tariff and basically say, “hey, sorry guys … but it is not us.”

And this could not have come at a worse time for Washington … as shipping volume at the important Port of Los Angeles is about to “plummet” (according to CNBC) … and shortages nationwide could soon start to occur.

Meanwhile, this could not have happened at a more inopportune time.

Though job openings fell in March (Associated Press), employment still seems to be doing okay (an economic term) and while some call for recession to start any moment now, not everyone agrees as Haver Analytics claims a “market-implied U.S. recession probability” below 25%.

But there is one very big storm cloud that may be about to burst … big time … as Reuters shares Consumer Confidence for April “plunges” to what is the lowest in 5 years … as people are sensing rising prices and the possibility of job cuts and item shortages … with a growing degree of dread.

That about wraps it up for today.

I’m a little tired as I streamed too many shows last night.  I started with Broken Mirror (which I think is fantastic … like a modern version of Twilight Zone) and actually came across “Farmer Gets a Wife.”

Silly show … about hard-working farmers looking for love.

To me, this seems like a slam dunk as I would think a farmer can easily find a wife …

… since he has so many ways to a tractor.

Have a great day,

Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA

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A Look At The News | April 29, 2025 As of 11:08 AM today: The storm might be about to hit … as shipping volume is about to plummet.  Are shortages on the way … and, if so, will the effect be short term? (CNBC) https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/29/port-of-los-angeles-sees-shipping-volume-down-35percent-next-week-as-tariffs-bite.html   … even so, small businesses are worried as many have costs that are rising in the face of demand that is uncertain (Reuters) https://www.reuters.com/business/vise-slowing-demand-rising-costs-small-businesses-are-signaling-trouble-ahead-2025-04-29/   … while some companies have already warned prices will increase … as tariffs are starting to take a toll (CNBC) https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/29/adidas-warns-it-will-raise-prices-on-all-us-products-due-to-tariffs.html   The room is a bit noisy, and you would like to hear better.  A simple trick could help and the solution is right on hand.  Literally (ScienceAlert) https://www.sciencealert.com/this-simple-trick-could-help-you-hear-better-in-a-noisy-room   The schools that are delaying opening times for young kids might be on to something … as that extra sleep is important (though going to bed earlier might help also) (ScienceAlert) https://www.sciencealert.com/just-15-extra-minutes-of-sleep-is-linked-to-brain-benefits-in-young-people   While smokers that stop at an early age have a chance for recovery, “vapers” might not be as lucky … as the risk here is that “popcorn lung” could be (ScienceAlert) https://www.sciencealert.com/popcorn-lung-vapers-at-risk-of-irreversible-disease-experts-warn   The statements above are supplied for educational purposes only. The statements depict the viewpoints and opinion of the author and are not necessarily the views of Emerald Asset Management or its affiliates. The information described herein is taken from sources which are believed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed by us. Emerald Asset Management PA, LLC | 717-556-8900 | 3175 Oregon Pike, Leola, PA 17540 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can unsubscribe from this list. ———————————————————————————- The statements above are supplied for educational purposes only. The statements depict the viewpoints and opinion of the author and are not necessarily the views of Emerald Asset Management or its affiliates. The information described herein is taken from sources which are believed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed by us.