This year, the focus on managing downside risk in portfolios has become crucial, particularly with the looming presidential election, anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts, and global geopolitical challenges. 

Buffer ETFs have gained traction as a solution, offering a combination of market participation and capital preservation in a straightforward, single-ticker format. These ETFs cater to varying time horizons, allowing investors to tailor their protection strategies accordingly. As more product providers enter the Buffer ETF space, it's essential to conduct thorough research, as the specific design and strategy of each ETF can significantly impact outcomes. 

Innovator ETFs, a pioneer in this category, recently introduced Managed Floor ETFs, which differ from defined outcome ETFs by offering ongoing protection without limiting the potential for market gains. These newer ETFs provide greater flexibility, making them suitable for continuous integration into portfolios rather than being tied to specific time frames like some other strategies.

Finsum: The fees can be a critical issue with these products so manage to understand exactly how the product will pay off to take full advantage of the strategies. 

This year, global commodity prices have been highly unstable, maintaining generally high levels. Futures for orange juice and cocoa have reached unprecedented peaks in the early months, while crude oil prices have been influenced by events in the Middle East. Gold continues to climb, though base metals such as iron ore have seen substantial declines.

Sabrin Chowdhury, a lead commodities analyst at BMI, observed that the market has been particularly sensitive to changing sentiments, quickly reacting to both positive and negative news. The S&P GSCI index, a measure of overall commodity market performance, surged by 12% in April but has since moderated to a 2.18% increase for the year.

Data from FactSet indicates that certain soft commodities, including cocoa, eggs, orange juice, rubber, and coffee, have seen significant price increases. Analysts suggest that adverse weather in key production areas is a major factor behind these gains.

Finsum: We’re slightly bullish on energy commodities moving into the fall as interest rates fall and economic demand picks up steam. 

The HABRI conference brought together extensive research on the human-animal bond and its significant impact on physical and emotional health. Studies show that pets offer numerous mental health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, loneliness, and depression. 

For young adults, pets help manage social anxiety, improve mood, and provide a sense of purpose. Older adults find that pet ownership enhances social engagement, provides comfort, and fosters a meaningful life role, akin to parenting. 

Supported by studies from institutions like the NIH, these findings underscore the essential role pets play in promoting overall well-being and mental health resilience.

Finsum: While this may seem intuitive the research is compelling when it comes to the role pets play in our lives. 

Global stocks are anticipated to recover from recent market turmoil and gain modestly in the coming months, driven by expectations of forthcoming interest rate cuts by major central banks, according to a Reuters poll of over 150 equity strategists.

Despite a sharp decline in early August due to the unwinding of leveraged positions and weaker U.S. jobs data, the MSCI global index has regained most of its losses, now up 14% for the year. Analysts expect corporate earnings to outperform in local markets, supporting further growth in key equity indices, though at a slower pace compared to last year. 

While 13 of 15 major indices are forecasted to post single-digit gains by year-end, with no outright global correction anticipated, the pace of gains in 2024 is expected to moderate, reflecting a tempered outlook amidst a resilient macroeconomic picture.

Finsum: We’ll monitor how exchange rates fluctuate as inflation normalizes across countries. 

Books offer a richer, deeper way to understand our ever-changing world. Instead of relying on quick searches, consider diving into the wisdom of experts through well-crafted nonfiction. Whether you're exploring complex topics like wealth inequality, algorithmic influence, or conservative culture wars, or seeking personal growth through memoirs about identity, grief, or marriage, this list of the best nonfiction books of 2024 (so far) has something for everyone. These three titles promise to expand your mind and offer new perspectives on the world around us: 

1. "Filterworld" by Kyle Chayka explores how algorithms shape our lives, urging a more intentional approach to consuming culture.
2. "Limitarianism" by Ingrid Robeyns argues for capping extreme wealth to combat societal issues, presenting a bold vision for economic reform.
3. "I Heard Her Call My Name" by Lucy Sante offers a deeply personal memoir on her gender transition at sixty-six, reflecting on identity and transformation.

Finsum: Digging deeper into filterworld might give a better framework as to how we can understand how we are manipulated by the technology we use.