CivicScience’s Post

Per John Dick's 6/8 What We're Seeing: -Consumer confidence had a modest upswing at the end of May. -Because while macroeconomic outlook may have improved, personal financial health went the other direction. -People are increasingly concerned about being laid off from their jobs. -A near majority of Americans aren’t interested in AI-enhanced online search, as if they have any say in the matter. -More people plan to bet on the NBA Finals this year. Read the WWS here: https://lnkd.in/eigKPbx4 #CivicScience #insights #data #trends #intelligence #marketresearch #mrx #consumerbehavior #consumerinsights #consumerintelligence 

I thought I would bring this extensive report back as a response to the question from LinkedIn News earlier today. In this piece, I explore the intricate dynamics of the business cycle, examining how expansions and contractions shape our economy. I delve into key economic indicators, their roles in forecasting trends, and the current challenges we face, such as inflation and slowing industrial activity. https://lnkd.in/d24B_2cy

Despite economic concerns, a staggering 96% of Americans fret over the state of the economy 😟. Surprisingly, a quarter of them engage in doom spending 🛍️! While inflation and high-interest rates put a squeeze on wallets, holiday spending is expected to skyrocket to a jaw-dropping $966.6 billion 🎄💸. Millennials and Gen Z are notorious for their indulgent spending habits, with 73% of Gen Z prioritizing present enjoyment over slashing expenses ⚡. Managing high inflation can be tricky, but experts advise striking a harmonious balance between saving and savoring to avoid financial hardships 💼💪. Follow @Biztipsnhacks for daily Business Tips & Quick Hacks Content just like this 👍.

Financial Facts and Trivia. Did you know...? #jimrobinsononpoint #FinancialFacts In the 14 quarters since the brief 2020 recession ended, U.S. GDP has soared by $8 trillion, or 40%. By contrast, in the 14 quarters after the 2009 recession ended, GDP rose by a relatively measly $2 trillion, or 14%. -Axios, April 14, 2024 A recent survey by Tech.com of 1,000 US-based business leaders found that companies with experience using AI were more than twice as likely to be open to a four-day workweek than those who didn’t. -CNBC, April 7, 2024 Nearly three decades ago, the day OJ Simpson’s verdict was announced, AT&T experienced a few of the strangest minutes in its history. For five minutes during the decision, long-distance calls fell 58% below normal. -Axios AM, April 12, 2024 The S&P 500’s dividend yield has moved down to 1.35%, the lowest since Q4 2021. The all-time low was 1.12% in Q1 2000. -The Week in Charts, April 9, 2024 One in seven health dollars is now spent on diabetes treatment, amounting to $800 million every day. -The Atlantic, April 15, 2024 Americans spent more than $100 billion on lotteries in 45 states and the District of Columbia last year—a haul that, combined, would make U.S. lotteries the country’s ninth-most profitable company. -The Economist, April 2, 2024

2 in 3 consumers make purchases without consulting reviews, according to a report from The Harris Poll🛍️🛒 Learn more about consumer habits, the influence of social media, American's views on personal finances & college degrees, and more in this week's edition of WHAT THE DATA SAY by Stagwell's Vice Chair Ray Day, APR👇 https://bit.ly/3U8zN3z

The deployment of Simpson’s Paradox in political discourse underscores a critical oversight in public data literacy. What’s often missed is the nuanced interplay between aggregate data and its segmented counterparts. This paradox isn’t merely a statistical curiosity; it’s a mirror reflecting the multifaceted nature of socioeconomic phenomena. The real issue at hand is the prevalent misapplication of statistical data, where the intricacies of underlying distributions are glossed over in favour of broad and often misleading generalisations. This practice isn’t just intellectually lazy; it’s exceedingly dangerous, as it fosters a binary worldview in complex systems that are anything but. The critical takeaway here should be a push towards a more granular examination of data, where disaggregated analyses are not exceptions but norms. Only through such a lens can we hope to grasp the actual dynamics at play, transcending the simplistic narratives that currently dominate public discourse.

In the midst of the political rhetoric and populism, we often find ourselves caught in the crossfire of conflicting narratives. This insightful piece sheds light on the deceptive power of data manipulation, encapsulated in the Simpson's Paradox. It's a good reminder for all of us to critically assess the data we encounter, ensuring that we don't fall victim to skewed interpretations. Trust in data is paramount, but verification is key to uncovering the truth.

Mike: https://lnkd.in/g3subyKS   For “Sell in May ‘n Go Away” to work in an election year – with an incumbent candidate, the market tends to bottom in May ahead of a very strong summer.  So, if Friday’s rally resolves to the downside, then that's exactly what I would expect to see happen.  However, the trend is your friend – until it ends.  And right now, the trend for the Dollar and interest rates is still up.  The trend for most stocks is still a mess.  Therefore, I'm skeptical of a resolution here until I see it.  My latest view on stocks, bonds, and options can be found in this week’s blog post.   #investing #stocks #bonds #options

Are you an investor or business leader in the gig economy space? Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of the drivers fueling this rapidly growing industry? In our latest blog, we explore the intriguing realm of gig drivers, uncovering the drives, habits, and choices that define this vibrant community. By leveraging their powerful analytics capabilities, Gridwise offers a comprehensive view of the gig economy, empowering investors and businesses to make informed decisions. Some of the benefits of using Gridwise Analytics include: 📊 Deep Gig Insights: Understand gig drivers deeply with data on their demographics, earnings, and behavior, helping you tailor your strategies effectively. 📊 Stay Ahead: Keep ahead of competitors by using insights to predict and capitalize on gig economy trends. 📊 Smart Decisions: Make informed choices with strong data back-up, reducing risks and boosting gains. 📊 Boost Efficiency: Use insights into what gig drivers prefer to streamline operations and increase profitability. Schedule a consultation with our team to learn how Gridwise Analytics can revolutionize your approach to the gig economy: Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e6Fyd9Sf

🌟 Market Insights: Debunking the Bloodbath Myth 📈 Even before markets closed on Monday, whispers on Wall Street suggested that the recent market turbulence was an overreaction to slowing US job growth. On Tuesday, a modest bounce lent some credence to this theory, but yesterday’s market retreat left investors puzzled. 🔍 The Shiny New Data: Fast forward to Thursday, and we’re armed with fresh employment data. Initial applications for US unemployment benefits dropped significantly last week—by the most in almost a year. States like Michigan, Missouri, and Texas saw fewer claims. What does this mean? It’s a clear sign that the US workforce isn’t disintegrating; rather, it’s reverting to its pre-pandemic trend. 🤔 Why the Fuss?: Investors everywhere seemed to throw a collective temper tantrum. But was it warranted? Perhaps not. The Federal Reserve has been aiming for a soft landing, and these employment numbers align with that goal. 🚀 Takeaway: As the dust settles, remember that markets can be moody. Sometimes, they need a reality check. So, let’s keep our eyes on the data, stay informed, and avoid unnecessary panic. What are your thoughts? Share them below! 👇