Small business optimism shot up in December
Small business optimism shot up in December, continuing to improve alongside greater economic and public policy certainty. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Index rose 3.4 points to its highest level since October 2018. Wells Fargo
US raw steel production up from previous week
In the week ending January 11, 2025, US raw steel production was 1,659,000 net tons at an ACUR of 74.5 percent, up 1.5 percent from the previous week ending January 4, 2025. Adjusted YTD production through January 11, 2025 was 2,593,000 net tons at an ACUR o 74.1 percent.
January reports business activity declined in New York State
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York released its Empire State Manufacturing Survey results for January and reports business activity declined in New York State, according to firms responding to the survey. The headline general business conditions index fell fifteen points. New orders fell modestly and shipments were little changed, inventories grew slightly. Both input and selling price increases picked up. Firms grew more optimistic that conditions would improve in the months ahead.
US drill rigs running down from previous week
There were 584 drill rigs running in the US on January 10, 2025, down five rigs from the previous week, and down 35 rigs from one year ago. Meanwhile, our Canadian friends uncapped 122 rigs their count to 216, up three rigs from one year ago.
January 2025 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey reports manufacturing activity in the region increased overall
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia released the results of its January 2025 Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey and reports manufacturing activity in the region increased overall, according to firms responding to the survey. The survey’s indicators for general activity, new orders, and shipments all rose sharply and reached multi-year highs.
Headlline News
Cease-fire in Gaza, thirty-three hostages to be released in exchange for 100 prisoners on death row, and another 800 or 900 terrorists held in Israeli prisons. This is insanity. How Trump and Netanyahu could agree to such a deal is confounding. These terrorists will be back in the battle forthwith, Israeli soldiers and civilians will die as they resume their attacks on Israel. If I were Trump, I would tell them to shove their agreement. Release ALL the hostages immediately or suffer the consequences, which would mean unleashing the Israeli Defense Forces and the American military if necessary.
As to the politics of this: Joe Biden declared that he offered this “exact framework of the deal” I proposed last May. Hamas refused it. Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas demanding the release of the hostages prior to his inauguration or “all hell will break out in the middle east,” and THAT is the reason for the deal, though as I state above, in my view it is a bad deal for Israel and the world.
IF YOU ARE ATTENDING THE SHOT SHOW IN LAS VEGAS NEXT WEEK, WE HAVE A BOOTH AT THE SUPPLIER SHOWCASE MONDAY AND TUESDAY…BOOTH 51804. STOP BY AND SAY HELLO.
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN
“KEEP AMERICA GREAT”
Have a great weekend…. God bless America!
Buy American made products whenever you can, it’s good for you, good for your friends and neighbors and good for our country.
If you are hiring…try to hire a veteran…. they are loyal, disciplined, hardworking…and they deserve our support.
By the way, if you wish to comment on my rants or offer any other insights you may have, you are encouraged to email me.
TEDDY ROOSEVELT ON IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA…1907
In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag…We have room for but one language here and that is the English language…and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”
