Key support points held yesterday as there were a couple waves of buying at critical parts of the session selloff.

• Dow Jones Industrial Average +10.1%
• NASDAQ Composite +16.1%
• S&P 500 +13.3%
• Russell 2000 +13.1%

The most intriguing battle of the session wasn’t Trump versus China, but Kim Kardashian versus Jack and the Box & Stifel Nicholaus.  The well-regarded Wall Street firm lifted its rating in the restaurant chain to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’ before the start of trading sending the shares higher. 

Then, Kardashian struck with a threatening tweet that took the wind out of the rally, resulting in the stock closing fractionally lower even as the board market rebounded into the close.

Kim Kardashian West

‏@KimKardashian

Hey, Jack In The Box I have a serious complaint but I won’t fully put you on blast, check your corporate email inbox or send me a DM with direct person for my team to contact. Pronto!

Investing in Stronger Household Incomes

As it turns out, restaurants were among the more intriguing industries yesterday as upgrades and takeover speculation sent most names higher.  With retailers threatening to raise prices, as if they can simply mark them up as much as 100% and not miss a beat, there is a chance restaurants could see extra business. Instead of paying $300.00 for sneakers that normally cost $150.00, some folks might decide a trip to Texas Roundhouse is a better deal (and you get change back).

We are combing through the names.

Portfolio Approach

Today’s Session

The administration has provided American businesses an extension to complete projects with Huawei this morning, which is setting the tone for an up session.   I think there is significant demand to buy this market.  In fact, despite headlines and recent pressure, it’s very telling that markets have held up as much as they have.

The retail earnings scoreboard sees mostly misses, although TJ Maxx (TJX) posted a strong number, beating consensus across the board.  Watch Home Depot (HD) closely because the company beat on earnings, but same store sales rose less than expected.  But most analysis understand those estimates didn’t take into account greater rain across the nation that hurt the stores vaunted gardening business.

Winning War at Home

President Xi orders China national anthem played each morning across the entire nation.  Brilliant move, as it will build national resistance and understanding during economic slump.  Meanwhile, too many Americans don't respect our national anthem.

In addition to long time China resentment towards western imperils, their second-best weapon is having their media and most of America’s media fighting on their behalf.

Farmers Plight

While the mainstream media is talking about the plight of farmers, now is a good time to discuss long term trends (preceding current trade assault from China) and solutions that got zero coverage during collapse.