Since 2012, Anton Bayer's Weekly UPdate has examined markets and the economy, continuing a market and economic commentary tradition that began in 2002. Each week, Anton looks past the headlines to the data shaping the discussion.
Investors are enjoying a robust stock market rally with NASDAQ and possibly the S&P 500 completing three consecutive years of 20%+ annual gains. Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway has amassed a record-breaking cash reserve, r
Anton Bayer · October 22, 2025 · 7 min read
Small business owners have endured a difficult four years. Before the global COVID-19 pandemic, many were benefiting from economic growth between 2017 and 2020. But when the pandemic struck, supply chains became strained
Anton Bayer · October 14, 2025 · 5 min read
My selection of economic topics to write about is getting narrowed as multiple reporting Federal agencies have stopped releasing economic data due to the Federal government shutdown. However, just before the government s
Anton Bayer · October 8, 2025 · 4 min read
Unlike most other countries, the US GDP of economic activity is predominantly driven by consumer spending. Consumer sentiment levels should provide a forecast of rising or falling future spending if the theory that disco
Anton Bayer · October 1, 2025 · 5 min read
Last week, we reviewed the changes in prices from manufacturers and producers. Based on the reports from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual increase of the Producer Price Index (PPI) declined in August to 2.6%
Anton Bayer · September 24, 2025 · 6 min read
To determine the future costs of consumer goods, one needs to monitor the costs to producers. If producer costs go up, then it is only a matter of time until your costs increase at the retail level.
Anton Bayer · September 17, 2025 · 6 min read
For the past four years, Matt and I have been attending the annual Future Proof Conference that is entirely outdoors along the beach in Huntington Beach, CA.
Anton Bayer · September 10, 2025 · 8 min read
Many of you read about the tragedy in the small town of Hunt in the Texas Hill Country. Torrential rain poured from July 4th to the 7th and then resumed again from July 12-13. The Guadalupe River that runs around the tow
Anton Bayer · September 3, 2025 · 6 min read
After the Federal Reserve raised its discount rate 500% in 2022 and 2023, taking mortgage rates up with it, housing activity has hit a brick wall. Since mid-2023, prospective home buyers have remained on the sidelines, h
Anton Bayer · August 27, 2025 · 5 min read
There is a widening range of sentiments between individuals and business owners. The question is who is right, and is perception reality?
Anton Bayer · August 20, 2025 · 4 min read