8-21-25 Bad News is not New News | Before the Bell

Target's earnings report was not good, and guidance was weaker; the chain is blaming the consumer for not spending in their stores. This is nothing new: We've heard from other retailers like Chipotle, Starbuck's, and Cava that consumers are holding back on spending. Additionally, a look at GDP reveals consumption, which is 2/3rds of the economy, dropping a lot. AI infrastructure building has offset this somewhat, but it underscores the importance of the consumer in the economy. WalMart's report today will be similarly intriguing as a barometer of the consumer. This may be the calm before the storm of this week's Jackson Hole meeting, and the actions of the Fed seeming to be more political and economic. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has dropped about 10% over the last couple of weeks. Bitcoin, NASDAQ, and speculative stocks have been very highly correlated. Whether or not you're a Bitcoin fan, it IS a gauge of sentiment and speculative appetite. Hosted by RIA Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO  Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch the Video version of this report on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU-QunzVoco&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1------- Articles mentioned in this report: "UPS Is At Pandemic Lows: Value Or Value Trap?" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/ups-is-at-pandemic-lows-value-or-value-trap/ ------- Get more info & commentary:  https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ ------- Register for our next Candid Coffee, "Savvy Social Security Planning," August 23, 2025: https://streamyard.com/watch/pbx9RwqV8cjF ------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #BitCoin #JacksonHole #FederalReserve #JeromePowell #LisaCook #MarketCorrection #MarketRisk #AIstory #MarketWeakness #AllTimeHighs #SectorRotation #NASDAQ #20DMA #50DMA #100DMA #200DMA #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing