Odds and Ends: October 2023

In last month's piece on odds and ends, we opened with distress. We included a report from the US military that stated, "...war with China is coming by 2027." We also talked about the market and the false propaganda coming out of China about the islands off their coast. One month later, we find ourselves thinking about the expression, "A New York Minute." It means things are going along in a normal manner and suddenly, something dramatic happens.

Middle East

It became the New York Minute. We stated our concerns last week. No need to repeat except this point. We stated that the status quo loves this conflict. It gives them an opening to repeat all their negative claims to continue military spending, to continue debt spending and this is money in their pocket.

Meanwhile...

The average citizen suffers from inflation and stress about their job, their future. Consumers are tapping credit to make ends meet. Total credit card debt is over $one trillion. People looking to purchase a home or sell their home and seek their retirement location face 8% mortgages on expensive housing.

Repo-Man

We found a report that says car owners are falling behind in their payments at a new record level. Then, the media declares the consumer, "resilient." We know why. The status quo controls the media. We are glad that Google offers us this freedom of expression in this blog space. We turn to the market...

Rapid Price Swings...

...indicate a change in perception. This will direct the future outlook since the market likes to peer out six months in advance. We noticed two important trendline rapid price swings with changing direction.

King $Dollar

It has broken its upline channel for a higher price. It can either consolidate or fall. Keep your eye on it.

Gold

It has tested its lows. It also broke its downtrend. It needs to break $2009. Keep your eye on it.

Oil

We told you in our last discussion on the commodity that it needs to pierce $93. It tested that figure, but it could not hold price. We feel another test is coming due to two factors. One, it ran out of energy rising to that price from the low consolation level ($83). Secondly, it had high volume at the peak price ($95).

Last Thought

Do not believe the hype about November being a top month to get into stocks. Buy some time with short-term CDs or bonds. Things can change in a New York Minute.  Peace.