May 15th, 2026 | Fed Inflation Problem Deepens, The Market Is Flashing Warning Signs, Consumers Keep Spending Away, Rental Property Performance & More

The Fed’s Inflation Problem Just Got More ComplicatedU.S. inflation accelerated sharply in April, with CPI rising 3.8% year-over-year, the highest reading in nearly three years, as the Iran conflict continued to ripple through global energy markets. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, also rose to 2.8%, up from 2.6% in March, suggesting inflation…The Market Continues To Flash Warning Signs Beneath The SurfaceThe semiconductor sector, as measured by the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, has only been this extended above its 200-day moving average twice before in modern history: 1995 and early 2000. Those are not random comparisons. In 2000, semiconductors peaked alongside the final stages of the dot-com…Consumers Say They’re Worried, But They Keep SpendingThe latest U.S. retail sales report continues to tell a very different story than consumer sentiment surveys.According to the latest Census Bureau retail sales data, overall retail and food service sales remained resilient, with strength in online retail, restaurants, electronics, and discretionary categories. Even after adjusting for slowing momentum from March’s surge, spending activity continues…Financial Planning: How are your Rental Properties Performing?Rental properties should be reviewed over time just like an investment portfolio, yet many owners focus on a few attractive details rather than critically evaluating the full picture. Looking only at the rent coming in or calculating “net cash flow” using just the mortgage, property taxes, and insurance…Companies Discussed: The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Whirlpool Corporation (WHR), Shake Shack Inc. (SHAK) & Ford Motor Company (F)