Inside the Consumer Price Index: July 2026

Inflation affects everything from grocery bills to rent, making the Consumer Price Index one of the most closely watched economic indicators. What does inflation mean at the micro level — specifically to your household? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) divides all expenditures into eight categories and assigns a relative size to each. The pie chart below […]

Value Stocks Drive IDOG Past Broader Market in July

International value stocks fueled a decisive July for the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG). The fund gained 6.14% for the month, according to ALPS Advisors’ July ETF Spotlight report. Developed international equities extended a rally in July, and the STOXX Europe 600 touched a record high on the month’s final trading day. Key […]

New population data shows Metro Atlanta growth is slowing down

The Atlanta Regional Commission released its annual population report on Aug. 12, and for the first time in years the 11-county region’s growth has slowed.  This year, the region added 53,690 residents between April 2025 and 2026. It brings the total population to just over 5.3 million people, up from last year’s 5.28 million.  But […]