1) The new Congress may have profound future economic impact for America. New members of the Financial Services Committee includes members of the radical left of the democratic party, with very little experience in fiscal matters, but having a strong socialist agenda for reforms to the banking system. Fears for the impact are growing as these members expound on their desire to eliminate big banks in America.
2) Brexit is having an effect on British consumer spending. Reduce retail spending with retail sales falling 0.9% over concerns for consequence of Brexit uncertainty. Consumer spending had been strong during the summer of 2018.
3) Netflix is burning through its cash at a staggering rate to pay for their blockbuster original hits, having spent $3 billion dollars for productions in 2018. Their negative cash flow is expected to accelerate in 2019, but they are still adding new subscribers. All this to remain competitive with the other subscribers of Amazon, Hulu and Google with Apple, Disney and Warner Media also entering the market.
4) 18 JAN 19 Stock market closings: China announced spending spree of America products, bumping the markets upward.
Dow 24,706.35 up 336.25
Nasdaq 7,157.23 up 72.77
S&P 500 2,670.71 up 34.75
10 Year Yield: up at 2.78%
Oil: down at $53.76