Daily Money: America's largest companies and diversity; stock market updates; Social Security advice

Good morning, it's Nathan wishing you a happy Wednesday!

🐕 As journalists, part of our job is to serve as watchdogs on your behalf. We have the platform to push.

That's why I'm so proud of my USA TODAY Money colleague Jessica Guynn and a whole host of others for leading an effort to get many of the nation's largest companies to disclose – for the first time – the demographics of their workforce.

The results illustrate stark disparities on race. Bottom line: We have a long way to go.

But the journey toward improvement starts with acknowledging the gaps, not hiding from the truth. Check out this must-see story by Guynn, Craig Harris, Jayme Fraser and Dian Zhang on which companies would (and would not) disclose their data.

💰 The Daily Money is our regular USA TODAY roundup of all things personal finance, business and tech. If you're not yet subscribed, it's free, so sign up here!

On to our ... 

💡 INSIGHT OF THE DAY: In a related story, my colleagues spell out additional findings from their project on the disparities in employment at the nation's largest companies. Among the S&P 100, one in every 97 white workers is an executive, but only one in every 443 Black or Hispanic workers holds a top job. Stay tuned for more findings in the days to come.

💡 BONUS INSIGHT: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who has presidential aspirations, supported an effort by Texas businessman and Republican donor G. Brint Ryan to extract millions of dollars in tax refunds from Arizona’s Department of Revenue.

📰 And here are more stories you won't want to miss:

1. Signs of weakness lurk beneath the stock market’s surface: But here's why you shouldn't worry. 

2. Some experts urge retirees to wait as long as possible to collect Social Security benefits. But that may not be right for you.

3. Should you buy a flipped house that had renovations done without permits?

4. As you plan for retirement, you shouldn't have all your eggs in the 401(k) basket.

5. It's just what you've been waiting for: mac-and-cheese ice cream.

I'm not sure what's more shocking: The concept, or the $12-per-pint price.

--@NathanBomey