Dear Rundown Reader,

Another reader weighs in on Anonymous and Trumps demand for a loyalty oath:

Standing up for what one believes is the best way to cement credibility.

On the other hand, as Trump is very vengeful, I understand that someone likes to keep on resisting the White House [anonymously] from within.

If I were in the White House and Trump would ask me my answer would be: Trust me or fire me, just don't insult me. I would not sign any statement of innocence.

And a reader addresses a danger associated with marijuana use:

The last thing we need is another drug like cannabis impairing drivers.

We havent done well curtailing DUI so why should cannabis be different?

Numerous experiments have shown it does impair reflexes and judgment when abused.

Marijuana legalization in the U.S. is a case of legislation outstripping science; testing the effects of marijuana on driving is pretty limited.

The studies that exist show marijuana impairs tracking, motor coordination and visual function -- basically, every faculty needed to drive safely.

A commonly held perception though is marijuana-impaired driving is safer than drunk driving.

Thats like saying a tornados safer than a hurricane.

What do you think: How should states address the issue of DUIs when marijuanas the intoxicant?

Thanks for the feedback. We look forward to hearing from you.

Your Rundown for Tues. September 11, 2018

Hurricane Size Matters

It feels cruddy betting on stocks that float higher because of natural disasters.

As Florence approaches the East Coast, thats exactly whats happening.

Home Depot (HD) stock drove to an all-time high Monday and it was the best-performing stock on the DJIA index last week.

Thats not a coincidence.

Similarly, Lowes stocks gotten a nice little bump, over $3 per share, since Thursday when media attention turned to the storm brewing in the Atlantic.

An article at CNBC, looked at this phenomenon to see if its worth taking a flyer on these home improvement stocks.

The research indicates size matters.

Take a look at this chart:

Since 1992, if you bought $100 worth of Home Depot and Lowes stock the day before each hurricane hit and sold 5 days later, both Home Depot and Lowe's [had] positive average returns if we only traded on the largest hurricanes.

According to the data, one trade could actually be worthwhile: Buying HD before a large hurricane for an average return of 2.7% for the six-day trade.

That average return is actually statistically significant relative to the company's regular performance, CNBC says.

Compound that with Home Depots solid Q2 earnings and this might actually be a decent play.

If you feel cruddy about it, dont say we didnt warn you.

Market Rundown for Tues. September 11, 2018

S&P 500 futures are up 1.43 points to 2,878.56.

Oils up marginally by 28-cents to $67.82.

Golds down $3.90 to $1,191.50.

Bitcoins down $17.52 to $6,306.90.

Have a great day. Well talk tomorrow.

For the Rundown,

Aaron Gentzler