Durable goods orders—excluding transportation—grew for the third month in a row in July after significant contraction during the early days of the Covid-19 crisis, indicating a renewed openness from consumers to long-term capital investments. While much of the overall durable goods spike was thanks to new auto sales, the 2.4% ex-transportation bump is largely attributable to strong home sales as the suburban migration continues in an enduring work-from-home era trend. Meanwhile, as big tech carries the Nasdaq and S&P 500® Index to new record highs, it’s also reshaped the roster of the world’s largest companies. 15 years can make a heck of a difference! Does that massive growth mean it’s time to take another look at sector composition?
1. The surging housing market is showing a positive effect on durable goods…

Source: The Daily Shot, from 8/27/20
2. How big are the mega-caps?

Source: Statista, As of 3/31/2005 and 8/20/2020
3. Perhaps it is time to split big tech into physical (chips, computers, etc.) and on-line tech and to merge energy and materials to make them relevant again…

Source: S&P Dow Jones, as of 8/24/2020
4. More evidence that wearing face masks can stymie Covid-19….

Source: The Daily Shot, from 8/27/20
5. How has your State voted in the last ten elections?

Source: The Daily Shot, from 8/27/20
6. Worth a moment to ponder…

Source: The Daily Shot, from 8/27/20
7. Be careful what you click on!

Source: The Daily Shot, from 8/27/20