Doesn't sound like much growth/Tariff response/Container prices spike/Silver and platinum breaking out/Value, Value, Value winning

I'm sorry but this just doesn't sound like an economy that is seeing much growth. From the Fed's Beige Book yesterday in describing their view of the US economy, "Reports across the twelve Federal Reserve Districts indicate that economic activity has declined slightly since the previous report. Half of the Districts reported slight to moderate declines in activity, three Districts reported no change, and three Districts reported slight growth."

And we can understand why, "All Districts reported elevated levels of economic and policy uncertainty, which have led to hesitancy and a cautious approach to business and household decisions."

Specifically, "Manufacturing activity declined slightly. Consumer spending reports were mixed, with most Districts reporting slight declines or no change; however, some Districts reported increases in spending on items expected to be affected by tariffs. Residential real estate sales were little changed, and most District reports on new home construction indicate flat or slowing construction activity. Reports on bank loan demand and capital spending plans were mixed."

Not surprisingly with all the front running around tariffs, "Activity at ports was robust, while reports on transportation and warehouse activity in other areas were mixed."

Lastly in their summary section, "On balance, the outlook remains slightly pessimistic and uncertain, unchanged relative to the previous report. However, a few District reports indicate the outlook has deteriorated while a few others indicate the outlook has improved."

Ahead of tomorrow's payroll report and post the soft ADP one seen yesterday, "Employment has been little changed since the previous report. Most Districts described employment as flat, three Districts reported slight-to-modest increases, and two Districts reported slight declines." And then this, "Comments about uncertainty delaying hiring were widespread. All Districts described lower labor demand, citing declining hours worked and overtime, hiring pauses, and staff reduction plans. Some Districts reported layoffs in certain sectors, but these layoffs were not pervasive."

On the cost pressure side from tariffs, "There were widespread reports of contacts expecting costs and prices to rise at a faster rate going forward. A few Districts described these expected cost increases as strong, significant, or substantial. All District reports indicated that higher tariff rates were putting upward pressure on costs and prices."

And how are companies responding to this?, "contacts' responses to these higher costs varied, including increasing prices on affected items, increasing prices on all items, reducing profit margins, and adding temporary fees or surcharges. Contacts that plan to pass along tariff-related costs expect to do so within three months."

All sounds like a tough spot for the Fed, though I expect a few rate cut tweaks by year end.