Welcome to edition 226 of Insider Weekends. Insider buying increased significantly last week with insiders buying $165.25 million of stock compared to $51.96 million in the week prior.

September E-mini S&Ps (ESZ14 unch) this morning are down -0.01% and European stocks are up +0.02% as the markets await U.S. retail sales data for Aug later today.

September E-mini S&Ps (ESU14 +0.22%) this morning are up +0.20% and European stocks are up +0.63%% after Chinese manufacturing activity expanded last month at the fastest pace in 6 months, which may help sustain global economic growth.

Most value investors are familiar with Buffett’s famous advice to seek out quality companies rather than invest in mediocre companies that look cheap.