August 5, 2022

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." 

Galatians 5:1

Market Recap

For the week, the DJIA dropped 41.66 points, or 0.1%, to close at 32,803.47. The S&P gained 14.9 points, or 0.4%, ending at 4,145.19. The Nasdaq rose 266.87 points, or 2.2%, closing at 12,657.56.

Federal Reserve officials voiced their determination again on Wednesday to rein in high inflation, although one noted a half-percentage-point hike in the U.S. central bank's key interest rate next month might be enough to march toward that goal.

The shortages of computer chips that forced global automakers to scrap production plans for millions of cars over the past two years are easing - at a new and permanent cost to the car companies.

Walmart Inc is cutting hundreds of corporate roles in a restructuring effort, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

New orders for U.S.-manufactured goods increased solidly in June and business spending on equipment was stronger than initially thought, pointing to underlying strength in manufacturing.

The Institute for Supply Management's US services index rose to a reading of 56.7 in July from 55.3 in June, compared with expectations for a decrease to a reading of 53.5.

Personal income was up 0.6% in June, ahead of expectations. Transfer payments rose modestly after flat readings in the previous two months while wages and salaries were up 0.5%.

Personal consumption expenditures rose by 1.1% in June after a modest 0.3% increase in May, lifted by a rebound in goods spending and steady services spending. After an adjustment for a 1% increase in the PCE price index, real consumption was up 0.1% in June after a 0.3% decrease in May.

U.S. companies are reporting mostly upbeat news this earnings season, surprising investors who had been bracing for a poor outlook on both businesses and the economy.

U.S. construction spending tumbled in June as outlays on single-family homebuilding declined sharply amid rising mortgage rates.

U.S. job openings fell by the most in just over two years in June as demand for workers eased in the retail and wholesale trade industries, but overall the labor market remains tight, allowing the Federal Reserve to continue raising interest rates.

***

Friday Recap: Job Data Rekindles Rate Hike Fear

Wall Street stocks headed lower, Treasury yields rose and the dollar rallied after the U.S. July employment report blasted past expectations, raising the odds of continued monetary tightening from the Federal Reserve.

The Fed faces renewed pressure to deliver another 75 bp rate hike at its upcoming meeting in September as fresh data showed job gains unexpectedly accelerating and overall employment at a record high. 

Wall Street's main indexes fell on Friday, with technology stocks bearing the brunt of a selloff, after jobs report suggests likelihood of rate hikes.

The tax, energy and prescription drugs legislation proposed by Democrats will include an excise tax on stock buybacks, U.S. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Friday.

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in June as exports surged to a record high, a trend that could see trade continuing to contribute to gross domestic product in the third quarter.

Most Precious metals were all heading downwards on Friday with the exception of copper. Gold fell back under US$1,800 as dollar hiked upward.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 76.65 points, or 0.23%, to close at 32,803.47; the S&P 500 lost 6.75 points, or 0.16%, ending at 4,145.19; the Nasdaq Composite, dropped 63.02 points, or 0.50%, to close at 12,657.56.

For the week, the DJIA dropped 41.66 points, or 0.1%, to close at 32,803.47. The S&P gained 14.9 points, or 0.4%, ending at 4,145.19. The Nasdaq rose 266.87 points, or 2.2%, closing at 12,657.56.



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Good Guys! Doing Good

FISM TV Presents a New Christian Reality Show

Good Guys! Doing Good

Good Guys! Doing Good is a Christian reality show hosted by Tim Bisagno. In each episode, Tim sets out on a journey across the USA to find men of God serving the Lord in adventurous, exciting, and unique ways. Follow Tim as he travels, participates, laughs, cries, honors, and showcases good guys doing God's work!

Watch Good Guys! Doing Good for free 

at: https://fism.tv/goodguys/ or on our free FISM TV app

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Hello Faithful Partners, Listeners, Viewers, and Readers!

We’ve had some difficult days since Dan left us and as the weeks have passed, I am missing him more than I can express in words. It’s strangely surreal but the Lord has been and is by my side, giving me the comfort and peace as only He can. I just wanted to thank you for your prayers, your notes of encouragement, your patience, and your support in helping me and our ministry to press on!

You may find what I’m about to share with you to be as funny as I am sure Dan did! Check this out . . . .I was voted by our Board of Directors to be the President/CEO and Chair of the Board of FISM!

All kidding aside, I am humbled and honored to serve willingly, in obedience, albeit inexperienced and ill equipped. I am blessed with an incredibly capable staff, and extremely faithful board members who serve alongside me – without whom I’d not be sitting here sharing this. I want you to know that Dan did love you, his partners and listeners, so much that he never tired of connecting with you whether by on-air conversations, face to face at his town hall meetings, or his very cherished moments in bible study on Friday mornings. His spirits always lifted when you encouraged him.

I’d like to share something I gleaned from a very appropriate message for these times we’re in, by Pastor Matthew Hagee from Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, TX –

We look at our finances wondering how we’re going to make ends meet. We look at a sorry 1st quarter followed by a bad 4th quarter. We are unconvinced about who is guiding us in our

finances, all worried and looking at forecasts . . . . and the experts say this, and the president

says that, and oil is doing this, and so on. How many of us are clutching to an economy that is

just shaking us? “God, I don’t know where we’re going to turn, we’re still working and we can’t retire when we want to, we’re skeptical when just yesterday we had trust.”

We can either clutch to what is going on in the world or we can cling to the Word that holds us.

And my God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:19

…. I‘ve never seen the righteous forsaken, nor God’s seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25

Honor the LORD with the first fruits; and He’ll fill your barns with plenty, and the vats will

overflow . . . Proverbs 3:9-10

He’ll open the windows of heaven and pour out upon you blessings that you cannot

contain. He’ll rebuke the devourer for your sake. Malachi 3:10-11

You can cling to all that is happening in your life, or you can turn them loose and let God have

them and let the fire of the Holy Spirit change your life. When you plug into the Source of

power, you’ll begin to see God do things in your life above and beyond your highest

expectations.

Let’s pray . . . .

Examine our hearts, Lord. Am I plugged in to the power of the Holy Spirit, or is my life

disconnected? Am I clutching to things of this world instead of clinging to the God Who is

holding me? Lord Jesus Christ today I am asking for forgiveness for the moments that I do not

trust in You like I should. You have never failed me; Your Word does not return void. So today,

through the power of Your Holy Spirit, connect me with Your promise that Your plans for my life are perfect. Your provision in my life is sufficient, Your grace and Your mercy in my life are

overwhelming. Your joy is my strength, and Your peace surpasses all understanding. I receive

this today, by the power of Your Word, in Jesus Name.

Now may the Lord bless and keep you. May He make His face to shine upon you, be gracious

unto you and give you His peace. Amen.

I’d like to invite you to share your comments and concerns, prayer requests and praises with me at yvonne@fism.tv. I will make every attempt to connect with you via email.

PLEASE do not ask me financial questions, you WILL be disappointed!

Sincerely,

Yvonne

Yvonne Celia

Chief Executive Officer, FISM

e: yvonne@fism.tv

w: www.FISM.TV

Watch Financial Issues Live

with Shana Burt as new host of our daily radio program

Financial Issues

Tune in to FISM TV weekdays, 9/8c to watch Financial Issues with our new host Shana Burt and catch her live commentary, the latest financial news, market updates, investment tips and more.

Watch Financial Issues: https://fism.tv/financial-issues

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Helpful Videos

We are now posting insightful video clips of the program, including many of Shana's responses to partners on our FISM App, as well as on our FISM TV website at https://fism.tv/category/financial-issues/. On the FISM app, if you scroll across the top to FINANCIAL ISSUES, then scroll down, you will find an option for these HELPFUL VIDEOS.

While you are there, please take the time to enjoy our FISM News to glean a conservative and biblical worldview on current events.

Report: Inflation Reduction Act Means $500 Billion Increase in Taxes

If signed into law, The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will require Americans to pay over half a trillion dollars more in taxes from their own pockets, and households making under $75,000 will carry roughly 26.5% of the new burden, according to a new Heritage Foundation report.

The conservative think tank’s analysis of the Manchin-Schumer compromise bill, released on Wednesday, warned that the majority of the projected tax increase would fall unfairly on lower and middle-class households.

In addition to the 26.5% of all new tax revenue that would come from households making under $75,000 – which will generate a cumulative revenue increase of $135.9 billion – the $75,000-to-$200,000 income bracket would account for 29.6% of projected earnings…(READ MORE)

Gas Prices Drop for 50 Straight Days, Average Still Above $4 a Gallon

Gas prices have been heading in a downward trend for over 50 straight days. As of Friday morning, the national average sat at $4.11 a gallon, according to AAA. 

The current price is $.69 less than one month ago when the average was $4.80 and $.90 less than June’s historic high when prices topped $5 a gallon.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre earlier this week touted the price drop as “the fastest decline in gas prices in over a decade,” without acknowledging that prices were dropping from their highest point…(READ MORE)

SEE ALSO: July adds shocking number of new jobs, Fed rate increase expected

FBI Chief Faces Senators’ Questions of Alleged Targeting of Conservatives

FBI Director Christopher Wray’s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee was a parade of pessimism as Wray lamented a national uptick in violence, admitted the situation at the southern border has reached the point of chaos, and sought to mitigate allegations his agency has an anti-conservative bias.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) pressed Wray on a recent Project Veritas report which included a leaked FBI document that appeared to link such symbols as the Gadsden flag and the Betsy Ross flag as potential symbols of extremism and listed numerous groups as militia violent extremists.

“Director Wray, what are you all doing?” Cruz asked. “This makes no sense. Do you agree with this FBI guidance that the Betsy Ross flag and the Gadsden flag and the Gonzales Battle flag are signs of militia…(READ MORE)

All 50 State Attorneys General Join Task Force to Fight Robocalls

All 50 state attorneys general are looking to put a stop to one of the most annoying, devastating, financially profitable modern-day scams: robocalls.

The attorneys general recently announced the nationwide Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force as a joint effort from all 50 states to crack down on the illegal trend. North Carolina’s Josh Stein, Indiana’s Todd Rokita, and Ohio’s Dave Yost are leading the task force.

Stein stated in a press release that he is “leading the effort . . . to work with the federal government and phone companies to fight robocalls.” The task force is also looking “to take action against phone companies that violate state and…(READ MORE)

DC, NYC Mayors Rebuff Border Invite, Agree Immigration At Crisis Point

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent call for New York Mayor Eric Adams and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser to visit the nation’s southern border has been either rejected or ignored, but the city leaders are nonetheless breaking rank with the Biden administration on immigration.

On Monday, Abbott released an open letter he wrote to Adams and Bowser asking them to come view “the humanitarian crisis firsthand.” The letter reads:

“As law enforcement agents along the Texas-Mexico border respond to thousands of illegal crossings each and every day, putting their lives on the line for Texans and for all Americans, the crisis demands the attention of not only the Biden Administration, which is responsible for securing the border, but of leaders across the country. As Governor, I invite you…(READ MORE)

White House Press Secretary Calls Roe Reversal ‘Unconstitutional’

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre took aim at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, describing its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and return abortion law to the individual states as “unconstitutional.” 

“There has been an urgency from this president from day one, when the Supreme Court made this extreme decision to take away a constitutional right, it was an unconstitutional action by them,” she said during a press conference.

She went on to describe abortion as “a right that was around for almost 50 years, a right that women had to make a decision…(READ MORE)

SEE ALSO: Biden signs order to use Medicaid to pay travel costs for abortions

Pompeo Sounds Alarm Over CCP Land Purchases Near U.S. Military Bases

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a stark warning this week that entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party CCP are rapidly acquiring American farmland near American military bases.

“CCP-controlled entities are now buying up American farmland, much of which is near U.S. military bases,” Pompeo tweeted Monday, adding, “We have to take this seriously.”

The FBI last week sounded the alarm over the CCP’s land acquisitions near critical U.S. infrastructure and reported that counterintelligence officials uncovered evidence that the CCP had installed listening devices near “sensitive military and…(READ MORE)

Biden Admin Declares Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced yesterday that the ongoing spread of monkeypox virus in the United States is a public health emergency.

The decision comes after World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus ignored the agency’s special advisory committee and declared the spread of monkeypox a “public health emergency of international concern.”

“Ending the monkeypox outbreak is a critical priority for the Biden-Harris administration. We are taking our response to the next level by declaring a public health emergency,” Secretary Becerra said. “With today’s declaration, we can further strengthen and accelerate our response…(READ MORE)

Healthcare Workers Win $10.3m Settlement Over Vaccine Mandate

Private employers who demanded all employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine without consideration for religious beliefs were just placed on notice for the violation of constitutional rights.

NorthShore University HealthSystem, which is the first employer in this category to settle a class action lawsuit on the topic, will pay $10.3 million to 500 current and former employees.

The lawsuit against the Chicago-based health care provider was settled yesterday in a “historic win by Liberty Counsel Action, a Christian-affiliated law firm that defends religious…(READ HERE)

SEE ALSO: Catholic medical group’s lawsuit for religious freedom begins in court

FDA Quietly Adds New Warning About Risks of Taking Puberty Blockers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration quietly added new warnings last month about the risks associated with taking puberty blockers.

While these risks have been well known and documented, many in the healthcare community have continued to declare that these drugs are safe, effective, and reversible for children who want to change their gender.

Doctors also prescribe the drugs to treat central precocious puberty, a rare early onset puberty, in pediatric patients. However, this condition only affects about 1% of the U.S…(READ MORE)

1-In-6 Deportation Cases Tossed Due to DHS Failure to Submit Paperwork

One in every six new deportation cases is being dismissed over the Department of Homeland Security’s failure to file the required paperwork, according to a new report.

Tens of thousands of migrants who have entered the U.S. illegally have had their cases dismissed before they even set foot inside an immigration courtroom as a result of DHS’s failure to produce key documents, according to a report recently released by Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC). 

The report reveals that dismissals resulting from DHS’s failure to submit required “notice to appear” paperwork have increased dramatically under the Biden…(READ MORE)

Ukraine War Update: First Ship with Ukrainian Grain Passes Inspection; Nuclear Disaster Said to be Looming

The first shipment of over 26,000 tons of Ukrainian food under a Black Sea export deal was cleared to proceed towards its final destination in Lebanon after inspection on Wednesday, according to the United Nations.

Inspectors from the U.N., Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey on Wednesday boarded the first cargo ship to leave Ukraine since Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion, the Associated Press reported. Laden with 26,527 tons of corn, the vessel finally anchored off Istanbul following a day’s delay caused by inclement weather.

The three-hour inspection was part of an agreement signed by Ukraine and Russia last month to allow for the safe export of millions of tons of grain from Ukraine to help ease a burgeoning global food…(READ MORE)

SEE ALSO: Ukraine update: Russia ready to discuss prisoner swap; more grain shipments underway

Abortion and Trump’s Endorsement Took Center Stage in Tuesday’s Primaries

The fight over a baby’s right to life and former President Donald Trump’s influence loomed large as voters in several states went to the polls on Tuesday. Here are some takeaways from the latest 2022 midterm election primaries:

Abortion battle lines drawn in Michigan

In the Michigan governor’s race, there will be no middle ground when it comes to abortion rights.

Tudor Dixon, a relative political unknown who received a last-minute endorsement from former President Donald Trump, emerged from the Republican pack on Tuesday to take on Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer in November’s…(READ MORE)

Poll: 61% of Americans Living Paycheck to Paycheck, Even Top Earners

With no break in sight for Americans struggling to make ends meet amid soaring inflation, a new study shows that almost two-thirds of Americans across all income levels are now living paycheck to paycheck. 

As of June, 61% of Americans reported that they were struggling to make ends meet, up from 58% in May, according to a new LendingClub report. 

The study also found that 36% of Americans earning $250,000 or more now say that they are struggling to pay their monthly expenses, up from 24% in April.

“This increase means approximately three in five U.S. consumers devote nearly all their salaries to expenses with little to nothing left over at the end...(READ MORE)

IRS Reportedly Stockpiled $725K in Ammo in ’22, GOP Wants to Stop It

If Americans weren’t already frightened of the Internal Revenue Service, they likely will be now.

According to a report from Congressman Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., the IRS has stockpiled ammunition worth about $725,000 in 2022 alone. The Epoch Times reports that this is about 5 million rounds of ammo.

With this in mind, Gaetz introduced the “Disarm the IRS Act” in early…(READ MORE)

DOJ Sues Idaho Over Abortion Ban; Biden to Sign Second Executive Order to Expand Abortion Access

The Biden administration is suing the state of Idaho to challenge an abortion ban set to go into effect this month, marking the first time the federal government has challenged a state’s abortion law since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

While Idaho’s ban makes an exception in cases where a pregnant woman risks death, the Department of Justice says the law’s exclusion of an exception for women whose health may be at risk violates the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

Gov. Brad Little (R) accused the Biden administration of overreach in a statement addressing…(READ MORE)

SCOTUS Certifies Ruling, Allows Biden to Ditch ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday officially certified its month-old ruling that will allow the Biden administration to end the Trump-era “remain in Mexico” policy.

In late June, the Supreme Court sided with President Joe Biden, in a 5-4 decision, in his bid to rescind Trump’s immigration policy that forced migrants to stay in Mexico and await U.S. hearings on their asylum claims.

On Monday, the Supreme Court recorded its ruling with a simple docket entry reading “judgment issued.”

The Trump-era policy, formally called the “Migrant Protection Protocols” (MPP), was intended to prevent the common practice of migrants claiming asylum to enter the U.S. and then skipping their court hearing…(READ MORE)

DC to Require Covid Vax to Attend School

Washington D.C. is requiring all students in public, charter, and private schools ages 12 and up to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, in addition to all other required vaccines, in order to attend school this year. Students who refuse to comply will not be permitted to attend classes, and online learning will not be available.

“Our goal is that no child should miss a single day of school,” Asad Bandealy, the chief of the D.C. Department of Health’s Health Care Access Bureau, said at a news conference. “And that means we need to get started now.”

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year, the district is adding the Covid-19 vaccine to the required vaccine list…(READ MORE)

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The FISM (Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries) is the home of the program Financial Issues which focuses on financial headlines, investing, politics and encourages people to be thoughtful stewards of the money God has entrusted to them. Financial Issues is a live call-in radio and TV program heard and watched internationally.

Confidentiality:This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is confidential in nature. Any distribution, copying or disclosure of this material by any individual or entity other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries immediately and delete this message.

Disclaimer: The information and data provided in this communication is meant for informational purposes only. It is the option of an individual and should not be regarded as an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation of any security, or as an offer to provide financial planning or investment advice. You should consult with your Financial Planner, Adviser and your Tax Account to make sure of the suitability for you of any investment you make. Understand that ALL investments contain risk of loss of principal and that should always be considered before investing. The user bears the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information obtained from Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries, Daniel J. Celia, or Shana Burt of Exodus Financial Services and GA Repple. Although the information provided is obtained or compiled from sources believed to be reliable, Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries, Daniel J. Celia and Shana Burt of Exodus Financial Services and GA Repple do not guarantee the reliability, accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information or data made available to the recipient of this message for any particular purpose.