Stock markets look ready for their third straight advance. Tensions between the U.S. and North Korea appear to have lessend North Korean leader Kim Jong Un decided not to launch a threatened missile attack on Guam, according to Pyongyang’s state media. However, Kim warned that he could change his mind “if the Yankees persist in their extremely dangerous reckless actions.”
The Commerce Department reports sales at U.S. retailers surged 0.6% in July hitting the highest level of 2017. Economists expected only a 0.4% increase. Sales were helped strong demand for new autos and Amazon’s Prime Day. Amazon boosted sales of nonstore retailers by 1.3%, the largest increase since December.
The monthly sentiment gauge from the National Association of Home Builders for August jumped four points to 68. That came off of July’s 8-month low. Economists expected only 65. Current conditions, conditions over the coming six months, and buyer traffic all rose.
Serving the West Side first, I am Bill Roller of BR Capital for 1360 KUIK.
