Barron's Streetwise Can Government Data Be Trusted? Plus, Yeti and JNJ.
Aug 8, 2025
Terry Wiseman, a strategist at Macquarie Group and author of a pivotal report on data integrity, dives deep into the reliability of government economic data. He discusses the recent revisions to jobs data and their implications for Federal Reserve policies. Wiseman analyzes Johnson & Johnson's market strategies amidst challenges and explores Yeti's innovative shift from coolers to drinkware. The conversation also touches on the political pressures influencing data integrity, raising questions about the trustworthiness of government reports and their impact on investor confidence.
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Bad Revisions Push Markets Toward Cuts
- Large downward revisions in jobs data have convinced markets to price in Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
- Terry Wiseman highlights that poor data, paradoxically, makes Fed easing more likely and moves markets accordingly.
Giant Water Bottle Under The Seat
- Jack Hough discovered a metal 'bong' in his car caused by giant insulated water bottles left under seats.
- He likens modern kids' 32–64 ounce bottles to 'spent oxygen tanks' cluttering family cars.
Has Yeti Reached 'Peak Chug'?
- Yeti faces potential 'peak chug' after a weak quarter, falling sales, and a 10% stock drop on poor reception.
- Jack Hough notes free cash flow and buybacks make the stock cheaper if you believe the brand can regain growth.