The document summarizes recent negative economic news and market declines in the US. It reported that housing prices, manufacturing activity, consumer confidence, and unemployment all weakened in recent months. The stock market declined for five straight weeks in response. However, some analysts believe this is just a temporary slowdown and not the start of a double-dip recession, citing factors like low interest rates and corporate profits. The document advocates for optimism about US innovation and future economic growth.

2. The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing gauge posted its third straight monthly decline in May and its biggest one-month drop since 1984, which suggests the manufacturing sector is slowing, according to MarketWatch.

3. The Conference Board's index of consumer confidence fell to 60.8 in May from 66.0 in April, which was well below the consensus of economists and suggests consumers are turning gloomier, according to The Wall Street Journal.

5. In the 1970s, minicomputers essentially made mainframe capabilities available to smaller businesses.

6. In the 1980s, PCs extended the reach of computing power into the home.

7. In the 1990s, the internet took off and connected the world.

8. In the 2000s, smartphones allowed us to take computing with us wherever we go.

9. In the 2010s, the “cloud” is poised to take computing to the next level.Source: Scientific American Magazine<br />With Silicon Valley as the nexus, the U.S. has been a leader in many of these technology innovations. And, our innovation extends beyond computer technology, too. Just consider the standard of living you have compared to your grandparents. It’s like night and day. Despite many bumps and bruises along the way, the U.S. progresses. <br />The point is, don’t count America out of the race to reclaim its “glory days.” Yes, there will be more economic hardships, more partisan politics, more bear markets, and more wars. But, somehow, we will find a way to regroup and march on. The future of the U.S. may not look like its past… it could be even better!<br />Weekly Focus – Think About It <br />“Success requires enough optimism to provide hope and enough pessimism to prevent complacency.” --David G. Myers, Social Psychologist<br />Best regards,<br />Jim Hyre, CFP®<br />Registered Principal<br />P.S. Please feel free to forward this commentary to family, friends, or colleagues. 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