The market is still singing its crazy tune, but, so be it. Even though a number of economic indicators have shown their propensity toward volatility (retail sales, manufacturing, unemployment, etc.), one can chalk it all up to, well, volatility. The fact is much of the numbers coming out now are subject to seasonality and revision.
What should be the focus is the US consumer, so, despite the fact that the initial numbers coming out regarding retail sales suggest the US consumer is asleep at the wheel, apparently he or she is not asleep at the wheel, or anywhere for that matter.
- Consumer Sentiment in U.S. Surges to 11-Year High as Fuel Drops
In fact, with oil still in free fall, things for the US consumer will just get better, and those “negative” economic numbers will reflect the spending that is coming.
- Oil prices resumed their move downwards on Thursday, as Iraq planned a further jump in exports for February, with both Brent and U.S. crude oil dropping around $1 toward near six-year lows, and almost wiping out gains made the previous day..
In the meantime, consider the future …
- Several new types of battery, each capable of cost-effectively storing the energy output from a wind or solar farm, are finally being hooked up to power grids. The so-called grid batteries could lower the cost of renewable energy by eliminating the intermittency problem that arises when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
Here are two startups in this promising area to track as they build toward their future. True, neither of these are public companies, but they could be in time. Check them out.
- Aquion Energy
- Ambri
Their emergence onto the market stage could be enhanced by one of the largest economies in the world beginning to push for project development.
- Similar grid-battery projects are taking off in California, propelled by new regulations designed to accommodate shifts in renewable energy.
Don’t get bogged down in the now with lagging indicators that will be revised. Look out a ways with leading indicators, such as consumer confidence and common sense – alternative energy is here, growing, and will, in time, add to the downward pressure on oil, which will then give the consumer more, which will then … you know the drill.
Trade in the day; invest in your life …
