Summer is over in the Hamptons and traders are back at their desks.  But, if you did not have enough to worry about Chinese economy dollar-denominated exports declined by 5.5% year-over-year, while imports slid 13.8%. (CNBC)

Small business confidence rose in August, as the economy continues to grow at a steady clip in the third quarter. The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index gained half a point to 95.9 last month. The labor market gauge improved , small business owners were slightly more optimistic about sales, but did not believe it was a good time to expand. The survey pointed to benign inflation pressures in the near term. (Reuters)

Fannie Mae released its home purchase sentiment index to the public for the first time ever today. The measure of home-buying confidence continued to decline in August from an all-time high in June. (CNBC)

Technology continues to push the world economy forward. MasterCard starts testing a program today to allow cardholders to verify their online purchases with a selfie. The credit card giant is also testing fingerprint and voice recognition for verification. (USA Today)

In the ying and yang of technology cost; Apple introduces the new iPhone tomorrow, with carriers phasing out subsidies, which may lead to sticker shock. (Re/code)  Amazon plans to release a $50 tablet in time for the holiday season, with a 6-inch screen tablet and a mono speaker. (WSJ)