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RT @R38TAO: Para quem tem menos de 30 anos e trabalha home/office ou digital esse esquema é precioso. Tem programa na Espanha que paga 15…

RT @chap_trader: #US30 with the Home Run Big respect to @AartTheTrader Hope you're on this ✌️

Renting is now significantly more affordable than buying a home — by one of the widest gaps ever recorded 🚨🚨

Imagine buying a house at the ATH with no down payment and double-digit interest rates potentially waiting at the end of the decade. Take a home worth $400,000, fully financed, zero equity down. Repayment set at 2–3% per year, which was common in Germany when I left. At 1% rates → monthly ~$1,000–1,333 At 4% rates → monthly ~$2,000–2,333 At 10% rates → monthly ~$4,333–5,000 At 2–3% repayment, paying this off takes 25–40 years. Add interest on top, and while payments shrink slowly over time, you’re still tied in for decades. Many probably took flexible credits because they came with even lower initial rates and the promise of freedom. In reality, rates jumped to 5%, leaving the unprepared with painful monthly extra costs. Others locked into 10–20 year contracts, only to face the risk of refinancing into even higher rates later, or paying hefty penalties to exit early. This was by design. A system that again chained an entire generation into life-long “work” contracts, often with no real way out, except old age. By the time many of those mortgages start to fail, basic investing knowledge will finally be common sense, but too late for most. While the super-rich quietly buy bonds with double-digit returns, the majority will already have lost not just their homes, but more than everything they ever worked for. That’s how the wealth of entire generations gets transferred, first slowly, then all at once.

The American consumer once again proved to be a driving force behind the economy in August. According to the latest Commerce Department data, retail sales rose 0.6% month-over-month, significantly higher than economists’ forecasts of +0.2%. July’s reading was also revised upward to +0.6%, from an initial estimate of +0.5%. This unexpected strength highlights the continued resilience of consumer spending, even as inflationary pressures, higher borrowing costs, and global uncertainty weigh on the economic outlook. A Closer Look at the Numbers Core sales strength: Excluding autos and gasoline, retail sales jumped 0.7%, topping expectations of +0.4%. Year-over-year trend: Retail sales were up about 5% compared to August 2024, a sign that overall demand remains robust. Category highlights: Online/non-store retailers: +2% Clothing and accessories: +1% Sporting goods and hobby stores: +0.8% Electronics & appliances: modest gains Not every sector shared in the momentum. Furniture and home furnishings sales dipped roughly -0.3%, reflecting pressure from higher costs and tariff-related headwinds. What’s Driving the Upside Back-to-School Spending Seasonal demand gave a notable boost to categories like clothing, electronics, and accessories. Many households accelerated purchases in anticipation of price increases later in the year. Consumer Wealth Effect Despite slowing job growth, higher-income households benefited from rising home values and equity market gains, helping sustain discretionary spending. Inflation and Tariff Dynamics Persistent inflation and trade-related tariffs have lifted costs across many sectors. Some of August’s gains may reflect consumers buying early to lock in lower prices before further increases. Policy and Market Implications Federal Reserve outlook: The stronger-than-expected sales data has cooled speculation of a large September rate cut. Markets are still pricing in the possibility of a 25-basis-point reduction, but the Fed now faces greater pressure to balance inflation risks with slowing job growth. Economic resilience: While unemployment is edging higher and wage gains are moderating, consumer spending remains a key support for the economy. Inflation watch: Rising prices continue to strain lower- and middle-income households, raising questions about how long spending strength can last. What Comes Next Market participants will closely watch the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, upcoming inflation releases (CPI, PPI), and labor market data to assess whether this surge in consumer spending can be sustained. Retailers, meanwhile, face the challenge of managing inventory and supply chain costs while navigating an uncertain holiday season. Conclusion August’s retail sales report was a reminder that, despite challenges, the American consumer remains resilient. Spending gains across discretionary categories reflect confidence and adaptability in the face of economic headwinds. Still, the durability of this momentum will hinge on whether inflation eases and the labor market stabilizes. For now, consumer demand remains the economy’s strongest pillar one that both reassures investors and complicates the Federal Reserve’s next move.