Stock futures are indicating … so far … a calm opening this morning as investors await a report on inflation (coming out shortly before the market opens) that might be a bit troubling, as a sizeable bump in prices over the previous month is expected.

The culprit?  Iran and gas prices … and this is even without complete data on airfare prices which are said to be rising. What is interesting here … and I don’t know the answer … is the extra baggage fee being put on airline passengers … as I am unsure if this excluded from the numbers … similar to one airline that has lower ticket prices, but charges for everything from boarding pass to carryon luggage to in-flight refreshments.

Of course, we have a ceasefire … which may be the first one I can remember in which occasional missiles are still fired … but it is obviously much better than what was threatened.  Still, the traffic in the Strait is not anywhere near where it was just 5 weeks ago and oil prices remain volatile.

And the average gas price in the U.S. (which really hurts consumers much more than the price of eggs) is around $4.15 per gallon, according to AAA, still higher than it was just a week ago … before the ceasefire.

Will this influence consumer spending?  So far, it hasn’t … but it is entirely possible that the rising costs of energy (including utilities) could do the Fed’s job for it without the need to raise rates.

Just three more quick items … all listed below.

“Prediction” sites are still under attack as suspicious trades minutes before major White House announcements are showing some people have been very lucky in timing important policy moves.

And how are you at photography?

There is a promotion (second to last story below) where Iceland will pay for … get this … photographers with no obvious picture-taking talent whatsoever to visit the country, stay 14 days (airfare included) and receive a salary of $50,000 U.S. dollars to show that anybody can take good pictures of the beauty that country offers.

Meanwhile, on a final note … my sleep patterns have been erratic.

The last story finds a monk sharing a way to get relaxing, almost-immediate sleep, as you end the evening.

I find this interesting and will certainly try it … as monks do have quite a reputation for relaxation.

In my crazy days, I considered trying to become a monk …

… but I never got the chants.

Have a great day,

Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA

Have any questions? Please contact info@teamemerald.com