This episode of At The Money was recorded in July, before President Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. So please note that this conversation was had before that departure.

We live in an age of endless news and spin.  We rely on data and news releases, but it's really easy to get tripped up by all of it. How should investors manage this firehose of numbers?

Michael Hiltzik covers business for the Los Angeles Times, is a two-time winner of the Gerald Loeb Award and has authored numerous books on business.

Each week, “At the Money” discusses an important topic in money management. From portfolio construction to taxes and cutting down on fees, join Barry Ritholtz to learn the best ways to put your money to work.