Third consecutive monthly decline of Small Business Optimism Index
Third consecutive monthly decline of Small Business Optimism Index in March according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Although optimism remains above its level preceding the 2024 election, the index is now back below its historical average. Small firms’ economic outlooks continue to deteriorate, with dimming economic perceptions and worsening sales as expectations as the driving force behind March’s decline…there was little evidence that tariff policy produced an increase in prices in March. However, the percent of firms planning on raising prices over the next few months reached the highest share in 12 months.
In my view, this is what happens when peoples’ perceptions are based on fear. Yes, the stock market is correcting, it is not the first, nor the last time this will happen. The administration’s policies need some time to work. Trump has not been in office 100 days yet. Stop listening to the Democratic politicians and the main stream media. Their goal is to diminish the administration, to cause fear and chaos. It is ridiculous. People should want what is best for the United States and not consider their own political agenda.
US raw steel production down from previous week
In the week ending April 5, 2025, US raw steel production was 1,656,000 net tons at an ACUR of 74.4 percent, down 2.4 percent from the previous week ending March 29, 2025.
Adjusted YTD production through April 5, 2025 was 22,524,000 net tons at an ACUR of 74.5 percent.
US drill rigs running down from previous week
There were 590 drill rigs running in the US last week, down two rigs from the previous week, down thirty rigs from one year ago. Canadian drillers capped ten rigs, to 153, that is up seventeen rigs from one year ago.
CPI decreased in March
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) decreased 0.1 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in March, after rising 0.2 percent in February, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Thursday. Over the last twelve months, the all items index increased 2.4 percent before seasonal adjustment.
News Headlines
I wonder who the traitors are who funded the past weekends protests? I understand their motives; they hate America, what she stands for, the freedom we enjoy as citizens. But what about the idiots they mobilize to protest for them? I don’t think these people have a clue as to what they are doing. The why is easy; they have been taught to hate Trump and Musk, and frankly, the USA, but why? For trying to make our country a better place? It makes no sense to me at all.
Tuesday morning the Dow Industrials opened nearly 3% higher. I am telling you that what Trump is doing will be good for everyone, once the dust settles. Let him do what he was elected to do. Some seventy countries have contacted the White House to make deals about tariffs. Israel has gone to zero tariffs and the head of the European Union also expressed a desire to do the same.
As is often typical, market direction changed in the afternoon with the Dow taking a 2,000-point swing, other indices also swooned. The change being attributed to China not folding on their tariff levy, in kind, Trump will impose more tariffs on China later this evening. They need us more than we need them because the USA can gear up and make things here. The Chinese are largely poor and can barely support their living needs in the communist regime.
On Wednesday President Trump issued a 90 day delay on reciprocal tariff implementation because so many countries are seeking an audience with the administration to lower or eliminate the tariffs they level on the USA and to eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade (the 10% all goods, all countries tariff remains in effect). When the market opened this morning it was green at +280 points or so, shortly thereafter it was down considerably. Trump called for the delay and at 2pm, the Dow is up 2518.10 points! This is exactly what Mr. Trump wanted. Additionally, he raised tariffs on china to 125%, because of their bad behavior. China has screwed themselves playing hardball with our president. The liberals, of course, are saying he has backed down because of the market correction, that is total horse shit. They just cannot report the truth.
Chuck Schumer: “Trump is retreating…this is chaos” that, again, is more horse shit from the left. That is all they offer their constituents; retreat and chaos. None of these career politicians have a clue about business, economics, or trade. If they did, they would offer solutions, but they have none, so they vilify their conservative “enemy.” Fact is, we should all be working to make the country better, not to gain or retain power, and therein lies the problem with politics today.
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.”
