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Looking Ahead to Next Weeks Data

With these wild markets investors will be looking for any possible weakness in economic data released.

Next week we have 15 Fed speeches (or presentiations) that are scheduled to take place. These are always ‘wild cards’ as each of the messages are not ever in sync–at least have not been in the past–any one of them could send markets higher or lower. One has to believe that they will choose their words more carefully than they have in the past.

On Tuesday we will have Durable Goods Orders for August released–the forecast is for a drop of 1.2%.

We also have the Consumer Confidence Index for September released with a forecast of 104.5 versus 103.2 last month. Below is some history.

New home sales will be released on Tuesday with forecasts of 505,000 units versus 511,000 last month.

Wednesday we have pending home sales for August.

Friday we have a biggie in the PCE (personal consumption expenditures). Here is the recent history for ‘core’ PCE. Forecasts seem to have this ticking higher by 1/10 point–any number under last month would be helpful.

So in summary hard economic data is minor until Friday—assuming the Fed officials don’t get carried away with their comments during their speeches and presentations.

Weekend Miscellaneous Items of Note

Below I just toss out some items mentioned this week in the 100’s of comments made by readers. Some of these known items have been known–some not.

B Riley (RILY) has made a full call on the 7.25% RILYG notes. The press release is here with the details.

Assured Guaranty (AGO) makes a full call on AGO-B and a partial call on AGO-E. AGO-B took a hard pounding as it was trading in the $26.75 area–now at $25.39.

Great Elm Capital (GECC) calls 6.50% notes (GECCL) effective 7/23/2021. The press release is here.

The new 6.375% perpetual preferred from Arbor Realty Trust (ABR-D) which had risen shortly after issuance to the $25.70 area dropped back to the $25.25 area. This note in Reader Initiated Alerts allowed me to get in at a favorable price.

UMH-C 6.75% perpetual traded way up to $26.40 and is redeemable in about a year so some folks unloaded shares.

Star Bulk Carrier (SBLK) announced a full redemption of their 8.3% notes (SBLKZ) which have a maturity in 2022. The call is effective 7/30/2021.