Well, this week’s economic news could best be described as “controlled chaos with a dash of glitter.” The Fed hinted that another rate cut (or two) is on deck before the year wraps, but since the government is still on strike, we’re mostly operating in a data blackout. No new numbers, just the same old “he said, he said” nonsense on the Hill.
Meanwhile, gold blasted through $4,000 an ounce, silver through $50, and investors everywhere are clutching their shiny hedges like emotional support bullion.
Economic News
1️⃣ The Fed Keeps the Cut Party Going
In their latest meeting, the Fed basically said, “We’re not done yet.” One more rate cut this year is almost guaranteed — maybe even two. It’s like the Fed’s version of buy-one-get-one-free, except you get slightly cheaper debt and more inflation instead of a second burrito.
2️⃣ The Government Shutdown Saga Continues
The shutdown rolls on, which means no new economic data — just a bunch of old dudes yelling at each other about whose fault it is. So yeah, we’re all flying blind this week. No CPI, no jobs numbers, no GDP updates. Just vibes and volatility.
3️⃣ Gold & Silver Go Brrr
When the economy gets weird, investors revert to shiny object syndrome. Gold cracked $4,000 an ounce this week and silver crossed $50, as everyone scrambles for safety. Makes sense — when you can’t trust the data or the dollar, the ancient metal that doesn’t do anything suddenly feels like a genius play.
Top 10 IINvestments Going Ex-Dividend Next Week
Well, look who showed up again — the CEF crowd. This week’s list is 5 CEFs and 5 stocks, and the split couldn’t be more obvious.
The CEFs? Hard pass. I’d skip all five this round — unless you’re feeling frisky, in which case OXLC might be worth a nibble. It’s got upside potential, though I wouldn’t be shocked if they trimmed the dividend in 2026 once prices shift.
Now the good stuff — the stocks:
The third BDC (FSK): keep reading below — because it’s on sale.
OZK: A dividend grower and consistent performer. Perfect for the patient investor.
SPMC: Solid BDC with a chunky yield.
CSWC: We’ve held it before — respectable, just not on our active roster right now.
FMX: The sleeper hit of the list. A strong beverage stock you can toss in your retirement portfolio and forget about.
Portfolio Updates
1️⃣ Retirement Portfolio
We added more TGT this week — the price remains too cheap to ignore under $100. The fundamentals are steady, and the dividend keeps rolling.
2️⃣ Vanning Portfolio
More PLTW added — not just because we love the position, but because we’re using those dividends to accelerate the CONY experiment payoff. The faster we dig out of that 17% hole, the sooner we can reallocate capital into stronger positions.
3️⃣ Contrarian Buy Alert
FSK just dipped below $15 a share — down nearly 20% with no real change in fundamentals. That’s blood in the street territory, and as contrarian investors, that’s exactly where we thrive. It’s flirting with its 52-week low, which means opportunity for those with dry powder.
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