Stocks are little changed so far this morning as there seems to be a little bit of relief (very little) that the situation in the mid-East has not expanded … while I hesitate to use the word … “yet.”

That doesn’t mean investors are no longer anxious … as there is plenty to cause indigestion as some claim it is becoming increasingly evident that the Fed’s battle against inflation may be far from over.  And this is not only coming from a few commentators … but Market Watch tells us the Fed Beige Book “finds steady economy growth but little progress in reducing inflation.” On top of this, Vanguard warns that the 10-year Treasury yield … now at around 4.6% … could jump to 5% … and that would “… push yields toward the highs of 2007.” Oh my.

An article below sums up the problem better than I can, as it uses an acronym … referring to people as “ALICE” … “asset-limited, income-constrained, employed” … which hints at the difficulty some workers face in making ends meet. We will certainly hear more about this in future months as election season approaches, and the question will again be raised: “what happened to the middle-class?” … that dwindling number, a group of which some fear eventual extinction.

But economic hiccups or not … that doesn’t slow Americans longing to vacation …but where to escape to is another matter entirely.  What I find interesting is the increasing attraction to go overseas … as Daily Shot, referring to Conference Board data, reports that over 20% of Americans plan to vacation in a foreign country … which, according to charts seen, is far higher than any time over the last 40 years!

I must say … using the internet and the ability to see some wonderful places around the globe … makes great summer stints at the beach seem so … so … ordinary.  Of course, there is the extra pleasure of putting photos of your trip online … enabling throngs of friends to attach words like “awesome” to your posting … even if they whisper “who cares” as they continue to type.

Two other notes today … both involving the internet and our devices.

First, how many times do you check email during the day? The claim is the average American does it 114 times during their daily routine. I think the number is low. I know I am being rude, but I suspect I check my email 114 times during dinner alone (and quite stupidly, occasionally when stopped at a traffic light … a habit I am trying to break).

Then there is another addiction for many … “Wordle” … as a therapist claims games like this are a growing problem. And I know I shouldn’t say this here … but the offshoots (“Quordle,” “Blossom” and others) I find even more enjoyable.

But these games are a distraction … and certainly affect productivity.

I smartly don’t focus on these during the day and … oh wait a minute … I need to run

… it’s time to check my email.

Have a great day,

Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA
Vice President
Emerald Asset Management PA, LLC
610 Freedom Business Center Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Direct: (610) 285-9905
cell: (856) 625-7915
wit@teamemerald.com
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