S&P 500 Global Business Outlook a Little Lower October 2026

The S&P 500 Global Business Outlook weakened slightly in October, declining from 37 to 32, suggesting some erosion in business confidence. Rising costs and inflation continue to concern businesses. Expectations for corporate profitability also declined from 21 to 16, indicating that companies are becoming less optimistic about how much money they will make in the near future. Capital expenditure expectations, however, remained relatively unchanged.

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This isn't necessarily a terrible report, but it does suggest some concern about a potential slowdown in business activity. Business confidence is important because it influences decisions about future spending, investments, hiring, and purchasing. When businesses become less confident, they may slow their spending, which can reduce transactions throughout the economy and contribute to slower economic growth. Of course, this is just one indicator, and it's important to examine it alongside other economic data to get a more complete picture of where the economy is heading. 

S&P Global US Business Outlook: Business Outlook Weakens During October Amid Uncertainty and Elevated Inflation Expectations

• US private sector confidence dropped as the headline net balance for business activity expectations fell from +37% in June to +32% in October.

• Inflation was the key headwind, pushing non-staff input cost expectations to +33% and staff costs to +42%, which drove selling price expectations up to +42%.

• Corporate profitability expectations fell from +21% in June to +16% in October, reaching a near three-year low.

• Employment growth expectations sank to +9%, marking the weakest outlook for job creation since June 2020.

• Capital expenditure plans remained steady at +16%, while R&D spending expectations edged up to +4%, driven partly by service-sector AI adoption.

S&P Global. (2026, November 11). Business outlook weakens during October amid uncertainty and elevated inflation expectations [Press release]. https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/586139708c2b4544a0adec25e9ba53e7

Happy Veterans Day

 A lot of veteran stuff going on from Marine Corps birthday to Veterans Day and local free eats. This is what makes communities wonderful. 

You may be interested in the History of Veterans Day

Free Veterans Appreciation Dinner November 11th American Legion (Gladstone, MI.)

 If your in the Escanaba area you may want to attend this free dinner if your a veteran. 

October CPI: A Few Adjustments for an Expensive World: Making Inflation Work Around You

Well, consumer prices haven't come down yet, so people are still feeling that pinch. I don't know about the rest of you, but I've started adjusting some of my habits and priorities to deal with the rising costs.

I've got a few things I'm working toward, including eventually saving enough to buy some land for a hobby farm. As you get closer to retirement, you start thinking a little differently about what you want out of life and where you want to put your money. Unfortunately, inflation has a way of reminding you that dreams aren't cheap!

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Inflation what?

So I've started reorganizing things. If everything is getting more expensive, maybe it's time to cut back on some of the things that aren't really that important and build a little more financial cushion. Last year seemed to be all about cars, repairs, and keeping things running. This year, I'm trying to focus on new experiences and putting some money aside for something different.

One thing I've discovered is how much I enjoy cooking at home. I don't need to eat out every night, and frankly, the amount of money I used to spend on things I didn't really need is pretty shocking. The funny thing is, my quality of life has actually improved. I'm eating better, enjoying the process, and keeping more money in my pocket. Who knew saving money could taste so good?

The point is that sometimes we have more control over our spending habits than we think. A few adjustments can make a real difference. Maybe it's time to rethink some of those purchases and decide whether they really add much value to your life.

Anyway, good luck out there. Inflation hasn't gotten the memo that we're all trying to save money, so we'll just have to get a little smarter about how we spend it! 

U.S. Consumer Price Index: October 2026

• Overall inflation increased 0.4% in October, down from 0.6% in September, indicating a slight slowdown in price increases.

• Housing and food costs continued to rise, with shelter increasing 0.3% and food prices increasing 0.5%.

• Energy prices increased 0.7%, while gasoline prices rose 1.0%.

• Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3%, showing that underlying price pressures remain.

• Businesses and consumers continue to face higher costs, making inflation an important consideration in budgeting, pricing, purchasing, and financial planning.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, November 10). Consumer Price Index—October 2026. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/cpi_11102026.htm

An interesting article,

US consumer prices rise briskly for third straight month

*If you like these free articles feel free to buy an art piece, product, or advertising space.

Happy 251 Years Marine Corps-Always Faithful!

 Today marks the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, an organization built on old-world principles and traditions but continually adapted to meet the demands of the modern world. It represents a commitment to service, sacrifice, discipline, and leadership.

Marines are often regarded as elite warriors, but their purpose extends beyond the battlefield. They are servants of society, committed to something larger than themselves. It can last a lifetime and that is honorable. The Marine Corps teaches strong values—values that stand firm even amid the changing attitudes and challenges of the times.

All branches of the military provide tremendous service to our country. However, there is something particularly meaningful about choosing to sacrifice for a cause greater than oneself. That commitment demands an extraordinary level of integrity, character, and leadership. These are lessons the Marine Corps instills in its members, lessons that can be difficult to find and develop elsewhere.

So, hats off to the United States Marine Corps and to the men and women who have served, sacrificed, and continue to uphold its traditions.

It is also worth taking the time to study the Corps' history. History does not exist in isolation. Events from the past shape the present, and understanding those connections helps us make sense of the world around us. We can better understand the present by studying the past, and we can better prepare for the future by learning to improvise, adapt, and overcome.

Happy Birthday, Marines. Semper Fidelis.

Marine Corps Celebrates Its Service and History on 251st Birthday

October 2026: Small Business Optimism Steady

 As you review the index below, you'll notice that many small-business concerns continue to center on finding qualified employees, labor skills, taxes, and interest rates. These are challenges that affect businesses across many industries.

As an executive or future executive, understanding the environment in which small businesses operate—and the challenges they face—can make you a more effective leader. Whether you manage a small business or a larger organization, understanding these concerns helps you make better decisions. 

More importantly, if you investigate these issues deeply enough, you may begin to identify opportunities and develop practical solutions to some of these problems.

Main Street Small Business Optimism Remains Steady as Economic Uncertainty Declines

• The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index for October 2026 stood at 97.8, down slightly from September and just below its 53-year average of 98.0. The Uncertainty Index declined six points to 84, its lowest level since December 2025.

• Labor availability remained the biggest concern for small businesses, with 25% of owners identifying labor quality and availability as their primary operating problem. Taxes moved into second place, increasing to 21%, the highest level since May 2021.

• Business owners reported improved financial health. Fifteen percent rated their businesses as excellent and 54% as good, indicating a more positive assessment of overall business conditions.

• Expectations improved modestly, with 8% of owners anticipating better business conditions over the next six months. Additionally, 11% reported that it was a good time to expand their businesses.

• Inflation and labor shortages continued to create challenges. A net 37% of owners planned to raise selling prices, while 36% reported unfilled job openings. Higher interest rates also added pressure to operating costs.

National Federation of Independent Business. (2026, November 10). New NFIB survey: Main Street optimism remains steady, uncertainty declines in October. https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/new-nfib-survey-main-street-optimism-remains-steady-uncertainty-declines-in-october/

Cooking Off-Grid: A Little Tofu Oriented Culinary MacGyvering on a Sailboat

 Cooking off-grid has a way of turning you into a culinary MacGyver. Whether you're preparing a meal aboard a boat, working with a single-burner camp stove in a cabin, or improvising with limited supplies on the road, there's a certain satisfaction in making something good out of whatever happens to be available. Cooking on a boat adds another dimension to the experience. Space is limited, equipment is basic, storage is precious, and you have to make the most of what you bring along. But that's also part of the fun.

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Some news on tofu

Who would have thought that tofu—the nutritional block of packing foam that many people dismiss as lacking much culinary appeal—could actually hold its own when prepared properly?

Here's a look at a surprisingly successful off-grid tofu scramble.

The Off-Grid Tofu Playbook

• The Sizzle Strategy: Start by getting rid of the excess water. Cook the tofu in a skillet until much of the moisture evaporates. This helps develop a firmer, slightly fried texture without requiring a lot of oil, an important consideration when cooking with limited supplies aboard a boat or at a campsite.

• The Flavor Factor: Tofu is essentially a blank canvas. Treat it much like rice and build the flavor with basic ingredients such as onions, freshly chopped garlic, carrots, salt, and a little beef bouillon. The combination gives it a surprisingly rich, savory flavor.

• The Practical Advantage: At approximately $3.50 a pound, tofu is an inexpensive source of protein. It is also versatile enough to use in soups, skillet meals, hashes, and other dishes that work well in a small galley or camp kitchen.

There's something rewarding about cooking with limited resources. On a boat, you learn to make every inch of counter space count, keep your ingredients organized, conserve water, and work with whatever cooking equipment is available. A dependable skillet and a reliable burner can go a long way.

The same philosophy applies to everything from sautéing tofu to preparing a quick skillet hash or pressing out flatbreads using a single pan. You don't need a fully equipped kitchen to put together a satisfying meal. Sometimes a little creativity, a few inexpensive ingredients, and some basic cooking gear are all it takes.

That's the beauty of cooking off-grid: whether you're anchored in a quiet harbor, cruising along the coast, or spending a few days in a remote cabin, you learn to improvise, experiment, and appreciate the simple pleasure of preparing a good meal.