Russia Hoaxers Quiet About Canadian Election Interference

"Optimism Has Picked Up": Retail Operators See Consumer Relief After Gas Prices Tumble As soon as the national average for 87-octane gasoline at the pump dipped below the politically sensitive $4-a-gallon level early last week, we observed multiple institutional desks begin to forecast that the light at the end of the tunnel was beginning to materialize for consumers, especially working-class households that have been financially battered by surging fuel prices over the past several months. UBS analyst Mark Paski told clients about "early signs of a turn in U.S. consumer discretionary." Then,...

US Industrial Production Disappoints (Again) In June US Industrial Production rose just 0.1% MoM in June (less than the 0.2% MoM rise expected), after also disappointing in May. That slowed the annual growth in production from 1.6% YoY to +1.1% YoY... The recent blip higher in Capacity Utilization faded last month (76.1% vs 76.2% exp) with the down-trend seemingly still in tact... If 'soft' survey data is in any way predictive of reality, then we should be seeing a sizable trend higher in industrial production... ...or maybe it's just another useless sentiment signal. ...

"Threat Against American Interests": US Halts Michoacán Avocado Inspections, Putting Critical Supplies At Risk The US suspended avocado inspections in Mexico's Michoacán state after the US Embassy cited a "threat against American interests." Because Michoacán is Mexico's largest avocado-producing region and a top supplier to the US market, any prolonged suspension risks disrupting imports and driving supermarket prices sharply higher. Michoacán Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said on social media that the temporary halt to inspections was intended to safeguard workers following recent arrests linked to extortion, according to AP News. Michoacán supplies...