Weekly Market Report – October 24, 2024

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

Cilantro’s Mexican Bar & Grill plans to close its location at 14440 F Street on October 27th. A replacement location is expected to open by the end of the year at 3309 Oakview Drive, Suite 102. That’s in a small retail building immediately southeast of Oakview Mall.

Muki Lounge has opened in the former Sports Hall space at 3852 Farnam Street in the Blackstone District. The bar is next door to Lucky Tiger Izakaya.

Taste of India appears to be moving a few blocks north. The iconic restaurant had operated in a very small building at 3572 Leavenworth Street. That building now has a Douglas County Health Department “Order to Cease Food Establishment Operations” notice posted on the door. A hand-painted sign on the wall says, “NOW CLOSED. MOVED TO 36th & FARNAM.” The restaurant has not opened yet on Farnam, but it looks like the former Farnam House Brewing Company space at 3558 Farnam is the spot.

Hay Jay Coffee has reopened in a new building at 8001 North 157th Street, just southwest of 156th & State Street. The original location had been at 1416 North Saddle Creek but it closed earlier this year. The shop serves products from Hardy Coffee Company, Sweet Magnolias bake shop and The Tea Smith. The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Construction is underway for a new Taco Bell in the Coventry development near 204th & Harrison Street, just east of Children’s Hospital and south of ACX Cinema 12+. The fast-food chain operates more than 20 locations in the Greater Omaha area.

A Scooter’s Coffee location is under construction northwest of 168h & West Maple Road. The drive-thru coffee shop is north of Church’s Texas Chicken and east of Wal-Mart Supercenter. Omaha-based Scooter’s Coffee has more than 800 locations nationwide.

Ziggi’s Coffee Drive Thru’s first metro-area location is now under construction near 201st & Q Street. Perkins-Critser Construction is the contractor. At this time, the building is mostly enclosed. Colorado-based Ziggi’s has locations nationwide including one in Lincoln and one in Fairbury, Neb.

Nordstrom Rack has officially opened its first Nebraska store at Village Pointe in a 30,000 sq. ft. space formerly occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond at 255 North 170th Street. The Seattle-based, off-price, department store’s nearest existing locations are in Des Moines, Iowa as well as the Kansas City and Minneapolis areas.

In his annual Presidential Town Hall program last month, Creighton University president Fr. Daniel Hendrickson said Trader Joe’s grocery store may be built on or near the university’s North Downtown campus. No details were provided. Creighton is currently building a sophomore residence hall as well as new baseball and softball fields along the south side of Cuming Street.

It’s All About the Signs recently opened a pop-up store inside Oak View Mall at 3001 South 144th Street for its second consecutive year. The Omaha-based business, which launched in 2010, primarily sells products at car shows across 11 states. Items include posters, tins, wood signs, and lighted and non-lighted metal signs for homes, garages, and man caves.

Timbers, an American restaurant at Arbor Day Farm’s Lied Lodge in Nebraska City, was named the best steakhouse in Nebraska by Taste of Home. The restaurant was praised for its quality ingredients and expertly paired sides. Timbers was also praised earlier this year by People Magazine as Nebraska’s most beautiful restaurant.

Deviled Egg Co. announced it will not renew its lease at 18111 Q Street and has switched to carry-out orders only until its closure on December 1. The company’s other locations in Denison, Tex. and McKinney, Tex., will remain open. Deviled Egg started as a delivery service in 2017 before opening its first brick-and-mortar store in Omaha in 2021.

The Terrace, a social enterprise café located at 4201 River’s Edge Parkway in Council Bluffs, will permanently close on November 1. No reason for the closure was provided. The café opened in the summer of 2023 just east of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain independence and learn life skills.

Varsity Sports Bar & Roman Coin Pizza is closing its Millard location at 145th & F Street today. Other locations at 96th & Q Street as well as 36th & HIghway 370 will remain open.

Pulled BBQ has closed its restaurant at 11036 Elm Street in Rockbrook Village and is converting to a food-truck business model. The truck will be based at Trucks & Taps southwest of 108th & Q Street.

The “Restaurant & Retail Updates” section is sponsored by Anderson Convenience Market, featuring Quality AMOCO Fuels and serving Omaha since 1952, and proud to announce the return of Quality Amoco Fuels. Look for changes this Summer at Anderson Convenience Market – 8 Omaha area locations!

Learn more about Anderson Convenience market at www.Anderson1952.com

Châm Pang Lanes and Ghost Donkey Are Memorable Additions to the Omaha Experience

The moment you step into Châm Pang Lanes you’re completely transported from the Old Market into a striking scene that combines all the best parts of the 1980s’ neon world with a ritzy Japanese nightclub. In the middle of all that is duckpin bowling.

If you’re not familiar with duckpin bowling, it’s a miniature version of traditional bowling with shorter lanes, hand-sized bowling balls and smaller pins. It’s a fun alternative to traditional bowling, but It’s much harder to knock down all the pins.

So far, bowling strikes at Châm Pang are relatively rare. I managed to bowl one – I have witnesses. Those same witnesses will correctly tell you it was a fluke.

Châm Pang Lanes first opened in Phoenix just after the pandemic when a Phoenix restaurant chain, The Punch Bowl, lost funding. The Punch Bowl owners approached Omaha-based Flagship Restaurant Group and sold them on the concept. From there, Flagship finished the project and made it their own. In September, Châm Pang Lanes, and their popular speakeasy Ghost Donkey, opened their doors in downtown Omaha.

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Omaha Children’s Museum to Be Part of Major Riverfront Development

Omaha Children’s Museum is planning to build a new museum in downtown Omaha at 8th & Douglas Street, along the north side of Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront.

The Children’s Museum will continue to operate at its current location at 20th & Howard Street during the fundraising for and construction of the new building, with the goal of transitioning to its new home in late 2027.

Omaha Children’s Museum has a nearly 50-year legacy of nurturing growth and development in children across the Omaha community – much of it from a building that was originally a car dealership. The development of a new museum would be in partnership with project champions Susan and Mike Lebens and Heritage Omaha, a nonprofit committed to developing impactful philanthropic projects designed to enrich the Omaha community. The goal is to create a dynamic, purpose-built children’s museum full of fun spaces inspired by children and their caregivers, shaped by best practices in early child development.

Omaha Children’s Museum CEO Fawn Taylor said this is an opportunity to build a museum with exhibits and programming that spark joy, curiosity, and connection.

“Nebraska is home to some of the nation’s leading experts on early childhood development who are working with us to plan for the new museum – from the building to the exhibits to the programming,” Taylor said. “Their guidance will combine with input from national peer museums, decades of experience from our staff, and feedback from the Omaha community to create a dynamic new Omaha Children’s Museum.”

Longtime Omaha Children’s Museum supporters and volunteers Susan and Mike Lebens are excited to have a role in leading this project.

“We spent the past year traveling the United States to visit other great children’s museums and are confident that we can create something incredibly fun and full of learning opportunities that is unlike anything else in the country right now,” Susan Lebens said.

Mike Lebens added, “We’re proud to play a role in taking what started in 1976 as a children’s museum operating out of a station wagon into its next chapter, ensuring it can serve area children and their caregivers for generations to come.”

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert joined Omaha Children’s Museum for the announcement, which included plans at the site for a residential complex from NuStyle Development called The Beam and an adjacent City of Omaha parking garage. The combined museum/apartment development will be bult on city property between Interstate 480 and Heartland of America Park.

The Beam will be a 16-story structure immediately east of the new museum. It will include a 12-story, wood-timber apartment building constructed on top of a 4-story, city-owned parking garage. Additionally, the city will build a 600-stall parking garage on a current surface lot immediately north of the future museum.

The estimated site development and parking cost is approximately $36 million. The city will pay $26 million of those costs, using lease purchase bonds.

NuStyle estimates its investment at $87 million. The Beam will offer 261 one- and two-bedroom units. The developer has applied for $13 million in Tax Increment Financing.

“This is a perfect example of a property that would never have been developed if not for the streetcar and TIF,” said NuStyle president Todd Heistand.

Mayor Stothert says the project would add to the momentum downtown.

“This entire development fits right in with all the year-round family-friendly activities at the surrounding parks, museums, and entertainment venues downtown,” said Mayor Stothert. “We love that the site has easy access for pedestrians and cyclists and a location directly on the ORBT bus and Omaha Streetcar routes, and we know that the new City of Omaha parking garage will get plenty of use from museum guests, Beam tenants, and everyone visiting downtown.”

Since the streetcar announcement in 2022, numerous urban core developments have been announced or construction has started. The city had projected approximately $1.2 billion in new development will be underway along the streetcar corridor by the end of 2024. Investment is already well ahead of that pace.

The Beam, which is expected to open in the spring of 2028, will bring the current investment estimate to more than $1.5 billion, pending city approvals of The Beam and six additional projects in various stages of planning.

The garage and associated redevelopment agreements are scheduled to go before the Omaha City Council in the coming weeks.

Omaha Children’s Museum is working with internationally renowned design firm Snøhetta to create the architecture and landscape of the museum. Snøhetta recently completed the renovation and expansion of Omaha’s Joslyn Art Museum and sculpture gardens. Other project partners include award-winning exhibit design firm Roto, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, and Kiewit Building Group.

This section is sponsored by RENZE. For over 129 years, we have been providing our clients with innovative solutions for interior corporate and retail branding, as well as unique exhibits and graphics for tradeshows and events. With leading-edge equipment and quality craftspeople working out of our 90,000 sq. ft. facility, we like helping brands grow. Click HERE to see CTM Corporate Travel Management’s new (40’x 40’) exhibit.

Isaiah Ang, Contributing Writer

Aerie Blue Sage, an entire neighborhood of upscale rental units, is under construction along the west side of 204th Street south of Blue Sage Parkway. The 40-acre site, just west of Elkhorn South High School, is in full construction mode right now. When it’s complete in 2026, Aerie Blue Sage will have 327 market-rate rental units, including stand-alone cottages, duplexes, townhouses, units in low-rise apartment buildings and even 2,000 sq. ft. single-family houses with fenced yards. The developer is Spruce Capital Group. The general contractor is Ronco Construction.

The City of Omaha has opened a new parking garage inside the 37 West Farnam building at 37th & Farnam Street. The 9-story building includes a city-owned, open-to-the-public garage on the first four levels and apartments on the top five levels. The building has street-level retail space. While the parking garage is open, the retail and residential space is still under construction.

Workers started drilling pilings last week on a 40,000 sq. ft. site southeast of 12th & Nicholas Street. That’s where Ronco Construction is building NOVA a 5-story building with street-level retail and 74 apartment units. The building will include 20,000 sq. ft. of street-level retail space for lease. It’s one of several new buildings planned for the Millwork Commons district north of Charles Schwab Field.

As part of its Safe Streets for All project, the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency has released early survey results, showing the greatest safety concerns for metro area residents: 65 percent of safety concerns are reported to be at intersections; 57 percent of participants report feeling unsafe as a driver while 29 percent report feeling unsafe as a pedestrian; 56 percent report feeling unsafe due to speeding.

The City of Omaha Planning Department, with partners Omaha by Design, Latino Economic Development Council, Spark CDI and Elevate Omaha, will hold four workshops to develop a set of shared community values.

Workshops will be held on the following dates and locations:

• October 24, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Tri-Faith Initiative, 13136 Faith Plaza
• October 29, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Bancroft Street Market, 2702 S 10th Street.
• November 7, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at The Hitch, 7013 Dodge Street
• November 13, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Culxr House, 3014 N 24th Street

The workshop format combines interactive, creative input activities with guided discussion to connect individual visions for Omaha’s future with shared values. At each workshop, participants will build their vision for Omaha 20 years from now, then work with a group to develop consensus around shared values present in each participant’s vision.

Ideas generated at these workshops will be combined with other community input data to develop a set of Guiding Principles – shared values that define a vision for Omaha’s growth and development and guide steps to making it a reality.

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Omaha Car Care “We’ll be along for the ride.”

Lawson Cryogenic Manufacturing & Repair, a leader in the repair and maintenance of cryogenic and industrial gas equipment, celebrated a groundbreaking today for its new manufacturing facility at 15130 South 205th Avenue in Gretna. The 5,530 sq. ft. office building and 36,834 sq. ft. manufacturing facility are part of a relatively new industrial park on the other side of interstate 80 south of Nebraska Crossing. Lawson Cryogenic will focus on producing cryogenic transport trailers. The project is estimated to be completed by August 2025 and will create 35 new jobs. Lawson Cryogenic will partner with local trade schools to recruit new employees.

Union Pacific Corporation reported 2024 third quarter net income of $1.7 billion, or $2.75 per diluted share. This compares to 2023 third quarter net income of $1.5 billion, or $2.51 per diluted share. “Our third quarter results demonstrate the success of our strategy,” said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. “Improved safety and service performance supported solid revenue growth that we converted into double-digit improvement in third quarter operating income and earnings per share. The entire Union Pacific team is focused on delivering for our customers and shareholders; and is energized to build on these accomplishments to drive sustainable long-term success.”

Master Lee’s Taekwondo has opened at 3510 North 167th Circle. That’s just south of a Rocket Car Wash at 168th & West Maple Road. The business, which has an existing location in Lincoln, offers classes for children ages 4 and up as well as adults of all ages.

AMCON Distributing Company, an Omaha-based convenience and foodservice distributor, has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per common share. This cash dividend is payable on November 13, 2024 to shareholders of record as of November 4, 2024.

Werner Enterprises, Inc. has been recognized with the National Award for Outstanding Large Employer of Veterans by the American Legion. Established in 1969, the Veterans Employment and Education Commission’s awards honors companies demonstrating exceptional commitment to hiring and supporting veteran employees. Approximately 20 percent of Werner’s workforce is comprised of veterans.

As sales of cigarettes, maps, and soda decline, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and QuikTrip are stepping up their game with fresh deli sandwiches, build-your-own burgers, and better coffee. Some are adding seating and made-to-order meals, aiming to offer a quick, affordable alternative to fast food.

Dean Snyder Construction (DSC), founded in 1958, is a family-and-employee-owned general contractor and design-build firm. We serve the commercial, food and beverage processing, industrial, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and healthcare markets. Our commitment to hard work, direct communication, owner involvement, and exceeding client expectations ensures long-term customer satisfaction. Contact us at www.deansnyder.com

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Want to improve as a leader? Empower your team, make sure they have goals and make them aware of the organization’s strategic goals. Influential leaders inspire their people to take on and accomplish challenging goals.

If you want to improve your personal brand, monitor your “digital exhaust,” says Brooke Seipel in a recent Fortune article. That means you are always aware of what’s out there about you online. What do your social media profiles say about you? What does a quick Google search reveal? To someone who doesn’t know you, your digital exhaust IS your personal brand.

According to Newsweek, the five most under-employed college majors are 1. criminal justice; 2. performing arts; 3. art history; 4. leisure and hospitality; 5. liberal arts. More than 71 percent of criminal justice majors are considered under-employed.”

The number of individuals with more than $30 million in assets—the generally accepted threshold for the “ultra-high-net-worth individuals”— grew from 157,000 in 2016 to 220,000 in 2023, according to Fortune. That’s a jump of nearly 28% in just seven years.

SALES

When dealing with a decision-maker’s gatekeeper, don’t disrespect them or harbor negative feelings. You just need to accept the fact that they’re there, says sales expert Jason Eatmon: “Tricks or tactics to bypass the gatekeeper may get you some surprise face time, but it’s often at the expense of the deal. Remember, you’re talking to the person with the MOST influence over who your target talks to, meets with, and ultimately does business with.”

There’s a 10X drop in lead qualification when you wait longer than five minutes to respond, according to Harvard Business Review, and an additional 400 percent decrease when you respond in 10 minutes.

If you want to build credibility with prospects, deliver tailored insights and strategies, according to Jay Fuchs, writing for HubSpot. Instead of sharing product benefits, sales reps should deliver insights tailored specifically to each prospect’s unique business challenges. Begin by conducting thorough research into the prospect’s industry, market position and recent news or developments. Then, during the conversation, offer customized insights that address their specific pain points and goals.

Dan Tyre, former sales director at HubSpot, recommends six steps to follow when you’re not having any sales success: 1. Believe in yourself; 2. Review your goals, record your stats and compare them; 3. Make sure you have a growth mindset; 4. Do the little things right; 5. Review your progress with your manager; 6. Connect with people who have been through it.

WISDOM

“Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.” – Warren Buffett

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Did you know Fontenelle Forest was named after Logan Fontenelle? His father was the French fur trader Lucien Fontenelle. His mother was Bright Sun of the Omaha tribe. He spent much of his childhood among the Omaha people, learning their customs and language. After working as a U.S. interpreter, Logan was killed by a band of the Sioux while out on a hunt and is said to be buried alongside his father somewhere on the Fontenelle Forest property.

Did you know Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium planted 1,000,313 trees in Madagascar in 2023? In total, the Omaha zoo has planted 6.5 million trees in that island nation.

Did you know that In addition to building a dynamic new skyscraper headquarters (slated to open in 2026), Mutual of Omaha prioritizes the well-being and growth of its workforce? The company garnered recent accolades such as the Great Place to Work-Certified TM Company (July 2023-July 2024) and Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers (2024).

This section is sponsored by Lockbox Storage, an affiliate of Omaha-based McGregor Interests Inc. We provide storage solutions for all of your storage needs. Our facilities have full-time managers and bright lighting to provide superior security for your belongings. In addition to space for rent, we also provide packing supplies, protection plans and locks along with complimentary handcarts and dollies. Visit LockBox Storage and let us help you with all your storage needs.

From Lemonade Stands to Galas: How Anyone Can Make a Difference

Community and Business Leaders Rally for Gender Equity at Lead the Change

Women’s Fund of Omaha held their annual Lead the Change event on October 18th. Business and community leaders gathered to focus on gender equity. Executive Director Jo Giles emphasized the organization’s impact, while board members urged attendees to invest in the cause. Keynote speaker Dawn Staley, former WNBA Player, Olympic Gold Medalist and Coach of Women’s Basketball at University of South Carolina, inspired the crowd of 1,000 with her message on leadership and uplifting future generations. The event also featured a moving performance by Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate Miranda Davis and voter registration efforts from the League of Women Voters.

New Teen Center Unveiled at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands’ Mount View Club

Teens at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands Mount View Club were thrilled as Aaron’s unveiled a $20,000 renovation of their teen center. The upgrade, designed by the teens themselves, features new video game systems, couches, gaming tables, VR headsets, a massage chair, and concession machines. This is Aaron’s 63rd nationwide renovation since 2015, part of an $11 million commitment to creating safe, engaging spaces for youth. The concession machines will help fund field trips and activities. The goal of the project is to boost membership and provide teens with a safe, healthy environment they can call their own.

EPIC for Girls Relocates to College of Saint Mary’s Campus, Strengthening Commitment to Diversity in Sports

EPIC for Girls, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing inequities in sports for girls of color, has relocated to College of Saint Mary’s campus in Omaha. Now situated in Mercy Hall, the move allows the organization to utilize meeting spaces and the Lied Fitness Center Fieldhouse, enhancing the organization’s ability to support over 1,900 girls through its program partners. “As a university dedicated to empowering women and fostering diversity, we are thrilled to welcome EPIC for Girls to our campus,” CSM President Heather A. Smith, MBA, said. “Their mission aligns perfectly with our values of inclusivity and community engagement. Together, we will create new opportunities to uplift young women of color and further support their growth in sports and life.”

“CEO on the Go” Spreads Gratitude with FRESH Floral’s Community Impact

At FRESH Floral, every bouquet represents more than just beautiful flowers—it supports Heart Ministry Center’s mission to provide food, healthcare, and dignity to those affected by poverty in Omaha. Led by CEO Damany Rahn, also affectionately known as “CEO on the Go,” the Heart Ministry Center surprises local donors with heartfelt thank-yous, hugs, and stunning floral arrangements from FRESH. As a community-minded social enterprise, FRESH Floral provides job training through the Heart Ministry Center’s Fresh Start Program, turning every purchase into an act of giving back.

Ghouls & Glow from October 24th – 27th: This year, Ghouls & Glow is “short but extra sweet” with two weekends of family-friendly fun from 7 to 9:30 p.m. each night at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium! Ghouls & Glow will feature spellbinding performances by Omaha Circus Arts and Omaha Street Percussion. Guests will enjoy trick-or-treat stations, carousel rides, specialty fall-themed treats and lanterns throughout the entire event footprint. Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night and the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium will be open for this event.

Halloween Movie Nights on October 27th: Join others at the Book Nook Papillion for their Halloween Movie Nights! Throughout the month of October, and the first Sunday of November, the Book Nook in Papillion is hosting Halloween movie nights. Bring a friend, blankets, food and enjoy some spooky showings!

Millwork Conversations Presented By Google | AI | Tech / STEM Networking on October 29th: Millwork Conversations provides an opportunity to learn from people across communities right here in Nebraska and across the country about new ideas and what’s possible – how to push past real and imagined boundaries. Each month will provide an inspiring, memorable experience for attendees through compelling conversations. In this event, they will focus on the polarizing of the often misunderstood nature of AI, how it works and its real-life applications while dispelling any misconceptions. Come out to learn from professionals and connect with others in the community!

2024 Omaha Gratitude Summit on October 30th: Reserve a spot for you and some friends to learn about the power of gratitude through engaging keynote speakers and a day full of activities. There are three packages to choose from, with an exclusive student workshop package! Learn more about how to optimize your gratitude both personally and professionally at this summit.

Night Light: Science of Fear happening each Thursday in October: Play at adults-only Thursday nights with exhibits and provocative programs that will expand your brain and spark joy. Join Kiewit Luminarium every Thursday in October for the Science of Fear. Through several interactive experiences, the Luminarium presents a multi-sensory investigation into fear as a phenomenon. From the physiological experience of fear to its many manifestations in human culture, there’s much to explore!

This section is sponsored by Eagle Mortgage, a locally owned, full-service mortgage company helping you with Conventional, VA, FHA and USDA loans in both Nebraska and Iowa. Learn how Eagle Mortgage helps people afford the home of their dreams by clicking HERE!

Veridian Credit Union has added Dave Clauson as a mortgage loan originator. He has 32 years of mortgage lending experience and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Nebraska Medicine has appointed Dr. Amy Duhachek-Stapelman, as vice president of education. She earned Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Lamson Dugan & Murray has added two new attorneys in its Omaha office: Hannah Junk and Tevyn Waddell. Junk is a recent graduate of the Creighton University College of Law. Waddell graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Law. During her undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota, Waddell was a championship swimmer.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is a catalyst and connector, advocating for businesses small and large. Learn, share and grow with more than 12,000 professionals from 3,000 member businesses across Greater Omaha. Click HERE to see our latest events.

“As GM goes, so goes the nation.” These are the immortal words of Pogo, from the comic strip of the same name. For those of you with a limited number of miles on your odometer, a comic strip is a cartoon that appeared in the daily newspaper delivered to your front porch by a kid on a bicycle. (Both Buffett and I had paper routes. I had a bike; he had a car). Pogo was about a bunch of anthropomorphic animals that lived in the Okefenokee Swamp. The reason I bring up Pogo’s prophetic words is because 50 years ago the market was driven by big companies, and this phenomenon remains firmly in place today.

On a recent day, about 10 a.m. Omaha time, a relatively obscure chip manufacturer, named ASML, announced dismal earnings, and immediately, the market went bonkers. According to the inane talking heads on CNBC, this was a sure indication that all chip makers were headed to hell in a handbasket. Instantly, both the S&P and NASDAQ plunged more than 75 basis points, and the volume spiked like a decibel meter in Memorial Stadium when the Cornhuskers score a touchdown. The frenetic activity lasted 20 minutes, and then the volume collapsed back to normal. Both indexes flat-lined for the rest of the day.

Individual investors need to be aware of this is for several reasons. First, this activity did not come from rational, calculating investors sitting with phone-in-hand, index-finger-on-the-enter-button. Rather, it was the binary response of dozens and dozens of ginormous computers responding to a trigger word from the news feed.

Secondly, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ are both market-cap weighted, which means the largest companies propel the indexes. The index market weights are adjusted at the end of every quarter, so we are just now beginning to operate with updated weightings. There have been a few small changes, but nothing earth shattering. The top companies remain the usual suspects: Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta. What is significant is that both Tesla and Nvidia have moved up to numbers four and five, following a summer where they were treated as ugly step sisters. Their return to the spotlight comes at the expense of Berkshire and United Health Care, which have fallen back to nine and 10.

So, what does this investment gumbo mean going forward? Impossible to predict – even by the best mental giant Wall Street has to offer. We are moving into earnings season, and the high-speed traders will find a way to turn any news from Nvidia or Tesla into a 20-minute, profit-bonanza blitz.

In closing, I have another quote from Pogo; “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” So, if you get snared in the Wall Street media hysteria, shame on you. For the past 275 years, any bet against the massive American economic engine has been a bad one.

This section is brought to you by All Makes and Allsteel. For more than a century, All Makes has remained family-owned and committed to supplying businesses with workplace solutions, specifically furniture and technology. To learn more, visit one of our showrooms in Omaha, Lincoln, Des Moines, Columbus, Kearney, or North Platte.

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The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

Support the Grow “O” Mission

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