Good morning. The big news of the day was expected to be a Supreme Court announcement over legality of the Trump tariffs … but that seems to now put off for another day. So, the non-Minneapolis news focus shifted to foreign country skirmishes and concerns about that … rather than what is going on within our own borders. Leaders from Greenland and Denmark are meeting in the White House today with hopes, in my opinion, of watering down U.S. rhetoric and threats on taking control of a country rich with minerals but weak on defense … at least in comparison to what protection the U.S. can offer. Still, the Prime Minister of Greenland was quick to point out a sizable majority of Greenlanders do not want to be under the wing of the United States and prefer remaining under Danish rule But the President continues to say it is important to our national security to “adopt” (my word) that country. And we also have a great deal going on in Iran as the President gave a warning over the treatment … often fatal treatment … of protesters there. The problem is that if there is anything we know about Donald Trump is that he does not like to look weak … so his comments on action that would be taken by the U.S. should not be taken lightly … amid concern that neither party (Iran nor the U.S.) will back down. Is there any good news? Yes. Venezuela is out of the headlines. The bad news is why. I am five paragraphs into this note and didn’t even point out that markets are down today. My computer is acting up, and I find myself going through the ridiculous game of figuring out if a new one is needed. It is maddening. The Brooking Institute is slightly to the left of center so a report by them that immigration in 2025 for the first time was negative (as are the ramifications) should be taken with a grain of salt. Some applaud this announcement, claiming the inflow was too much, while others feel this weakens our economy for a variety of reasons. My advice is not to get in the middle of two people arguing over this. There is such anger that their disagreement might come to blows. That about wraps it up for today, as I must run out now for an exercise class I signed up for … but find myself having an issue. Their email advises to wear loose clothing … but if I had loose clothing, I wouldn’t have signed up for an exercise class in the first place! Have a great day, Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA Have any questions? Please contact info@teamemerald.com
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