Port of LA gets smarter, the Fed eyes September, and the election reshapes supply chain strategy.
5 min read · July 2024
Good Morning, Good Evening, and Good Night — wherever you're reading this. Welcome back to the Daiiv Journal.
July's heat was on — and so was the momentum of change. Markets, elections, and freight trends converged into a pivotal month for supply chain.
The Port of Los Angeles received an $8M California state grant to upgrade its Port Optimizer system. Three focus areas: (1) Truck Appointment System — smarter container flow management; (2) California Ports Mobile App — new UI for logistics stakeholders; (3) Carbon Impact Gateway — real-time Green Asset Scores for rail, trucking, vessels, and port equipment.
Job openings fell to 8.18 million in July — the number of people quitting hit a 4-year low. Despite robust GDP growth in Q2, prices remain elevated, personal consumption rose modestly, and personal savings continue to slow. The consumer is resilient but stretched.
As of July 31st, the Fed left rates at 5.25–5.5% but strongly signaled September as the first cut. Two conditions would accelerate action: continued good inflation data, or a sudden worsening of economic conditions.
Rate cuts favor small-cap stocks (Russell 2000) over mega-cap tech. Sector rotation from large-cap to small-cap industrials and logistics companies is a real possibility. Borrowing becomes easier for smaller carriers — a potential freight tailwind.
The November election adds another variable. Trump policies would favor domestic energy, tariffs, and crypto. Harris policies would prioritize clean energy, international trade, and middle-class business support. Either outcome reshapes supply chain strategy for the next four years.
"Regardless of who wins in November, I'm optimistic that the country will grow — and our portfolios as well."
"The second half of 2024 belongs to those who adapt fastest — to rate changes, to the election outcome, and to the shifting freight market."
— Daivik Suresh, July 2024-DAIVIK SURESH-
Supply Chain + Business Analytics Enthusiast · July 2024Not financial advice. All opinions are personal. Investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.