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Good morning:.

Stocks are facing a bit of a headwind this morning as oil prices rose following this weekend’s resumption of fighting between the U.S. and Iran.  With the realization that we are now seven months into this and 64 have only days to go before the midterm elections, we might expect stronger U.S. action in the weeks ahead.

The announcement that the U.S. has struck a deal with Venezuela … which the President calls “the biggest oil deal in world history” … has done little to tame prices … as experts point out it will take years to develop even as Secretary of State Rubio says it “will lower gas prices here at home” … being careful … and smart enough … not to say when.

Speaking of the upcoming midterms, there is continuing backlash against the rapid development of AI data centers … and, of course, politicians running for office will probably be quite vocal about this until votes are cast … while Financial Times shares the opinion that regardless of protests large-scale data centers are expected to grow “substantially.”

Meanwhile (sorry … a lot of topics today) … Ember reports that Chinese exports of electric cars (including hybrids) is now greater than U.S. automobile exports of all types … showing global demand for electric vehicles (especially outside of the U.S.) continues to strengthen.

And on top of all this, we have the verbal battle with Canada to contend with.

For some, this is a very serious matter as U.S. Census Department is reporting Canada takes up the largest percentage of exports of 25 states (with Mexico next having 9).  And if this situation worsens … well … it could have long-lasting effects.  Especially at risk, according to The Conversation, are farmers … as 80% of U.S. imports of potassium (an important component of fertilizer) comes from Saskatchewan and $28 billion in food is sent to our neighbors in the north.

On a final note for today, I will point to the last article below which warns people that once your kid leaves the nest … it might not be permanent … as around 50% return … and they are classified as “boomerang kids.”

… so don’t be so quick in tossing out … or selling … your kids’ furniture …

… for they might be coming back home.

Have a great day,

Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA

Have any questions? Please contact info@teamemerald.com

New and want to subscribe to Wit & Wisdom? Subscribe here   A Look At The News | August 31, 2026 As of 11:57 AM today … While some articles look at how high gas prices were at any point in time, others take an interesting approach and look at out-of-pocket costs over an extended period (Axios) https://www.axios.com/2026/08/31/iran-russia-diesel-gasoline-prices   There is concern that AI has caused a “bubble” in financial markets … with an added fear that tech firms are a bit over their skis with what they borrow (DailyMail) https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16092617/AI-global-economy-Bank-England-chief-Bailey-shares-borrowing.html   If you ever do the math, you will see a remarkable difference between getting social security at age 62 and age 70 … but does a possible future cut affect the math? (Fortune) https://fortune.com/2026/08/31/social-security-insolvent-early-withdrawal-blame-baby-boomers/   Uber drivers are quite unhappy about a relatively new competitor … as driverless cars … which are cheaper … gain in popularity (Futurism) https://futurism.com/advanced-transport/uber-drivers-waymo-driving-down-pay   It is always interesting to see what people do with a windfall.  Some save and invest … while others go a bit crazy … foolishly buying everything in sight (Moneywise) https://moneywise.com/managing-money/budgeting/charles-barley-says-he-was-an-idiot-when-he-first-got-rich-owned-3-or-4-luxury-cars   Parents whose kids move out should think twice if considering renting out their rooms … as they may be coming back (CNBC) https://www.cnbc.com/select/financial-moves-to-make-if-youve-moved-back-home/#pay-yourself-the-rent-youre-not-paying 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.