Good morning.
In 2013, the markets experienced their first “taper tantrum.” They sold off heavily and quickly on fears that the Federal Reserve would start to raise interest rates off of the zero percent they were dropped to in late 2008. It took until 2015 for the Fed to start raising interest rates, and only gradually, before lowering them back down again starting in 2019.
Now, a similar fear is playing out again thanks to the Fed meeting minutes released on Wednesday. Bond yields have spiked and tech stocks have taken a dive. While there may be more short-term pain ahead, investors with a longer view can note that the 2015-2020 market was much better for tech stocks than the 2009-2015 period.
In other words, the end of the new bull market that started in April 2020 is unlikely to end this year. But volatility is the name of the game, and that should make a great year for nimble traders.
Now here’s the rest of the news:
Biden Turns Inflation Into A Horrifying Food-Supply Takeover
Biden pretends his economic policies have nothing to do with inflation. Now he needs another scapegoat to get rid of the blame, and he has found one. His latest idea is to blame it all on one of America’s most crucial industries… [Read Here]
January 07, 2021
Good morning.
Stocks touched all-time highs on Wednesday, closing off their lows following Fed meeting minutes and chaos in Washington D.C. Some big-name tech stocks sold off heavily, largely on fears that a Democratic-controlled Congress might be willing to reign in some of the antitrust issues that have flared up recently. However, it’s clear markets are more interested in monetary policy than in any potential political issue going on.
While that may change as some potential big votes come up in the new congressional session, it’s clear that the market uptrend remains in place, and that fiscal policy will likely loosen up as much as monetary policy.
Now here’s the rest of the news:
Having Already Dropped for Years, US Auto Sales Plunged to 1970s Level in 2020 –Wolf Richter, Wolf Street
Automakers are going upscale and raising prices as their salvation. And thereby they’re excluding a big part of the population from buying a new vehicle… [Read Here]
January 07, 2020
Good morning. Gold hit a six-year high on Friday, and then a seven-year high yesterday. The metal’s price has been trending up for nearly four years now, but recent geopolitical events have helped move it further. While many criticize gold as an investment on the grounds that it pays no dividends and generates no revenues, gold’s use as a market fear hedge still holds its luster. And with rising costs of production for lower ore, it doesn’t take much change in demand to move the metal’s price up, which could make gold stocks set for some great returns this year. …that’s gold!
Now business… A common objection in business is, “I am not interested. I am too busy already.”
US: “You are the busiest person I know. You have no time to visit. I can help you have more time. Could we talk about it during lunch one day, so it wouldn’t take away any of your precious time?”
Darren has a great topic today for discussion: “Becoming Unstoppable”
Whether you work for yourself, or someone else’s dreams … be relentless! 😉
January 07, 2019
Cooler this morning heading out … frost only … no snow yet this year!
Part of my 14 Day Challenge is to cold call more people; follow_up more, e_mail and send postcards to more people! Consistency and accountability! Leaders are readers … Yes I am!
Positive Thinking Has No Negative
In my favorite comic strip “Peanuts,” drawn by Charles Schulz, Lucy asks Charlie Brown what day of the week he likes best. For the next few frames, we see Charlie thinking, and thinking, and thinkin’. Finally, he says. “You know. I’ve always been kind of fond of tomorrow; YES … TOMORROW”!
For once, I have to disagree with good old Charlie Brown. My favorite day is Today, because every morning when I wake up, Today is what I have to work with. Stop worrying about that which you cannot control.
January 07, 2018
(zip)
January 07, 2017
Easy six hours at work today … short and sweet!
Need to slip out to Staples and pick up some ink for my printer. Caryl came along to check out flannel shirts and to buy winter boots at Mark’s.
Success on both fronts. Started chili for our guest that will be arriving just after 5:00 PM.
Dinner was a hit! Our guests stayed around after dinner & dessert, although they were free to leave quickly if they needed to go dancing! Had a great social evening … with the expressed hope of making “Supper at the Walkers” a monthly event.
Our last guests left around 9:30 PM. After seeing ALL our guests on-their-way and wishing them all a very goodnight … I too was on my way … to bed!
REW
