Good morning. Following a day which had investors cheering over the end of the budget stalemate, we have reality setting in, and it appears markets will open in negative territory … as there is still a lot more to digest. Tariffs and inflation can now take center stage again as opposing sides in Washington review the next big thing for them to argue about. Even though this chapter seems as if will be shortly behind us, the FAA is warning problems with flights could still exist for the next few weeks … and even seep into the Thanksgiving holiday. Yes, money has a strange way of affecting people. We certainly see that in sports recently, as the ability to wager (and profit) is easy, tempting and hard to police. Such is the strange case surrounding, Emmanuel Chase, a pitcher from the Cleveland Indians … oh, I mean Guardians … with the claim he made a couple of thousand dollars from his wager-induced actions on the field … and now risks (if allegations hold true) not only jail time, but ending his career and the potential of earning $38 million over the next several years. But don’t feel too bad. He was on “paid leave” at the end of this season … so still received $88,000/week while sitting on the sidelines. Where, oh where, is Judge Landis when you need him? And if this is too much temptation for a highly paid veteran … what about the college player … with only a hopeful NIL for support … who … along with friends and family … also has access to betting sites? Okay, that’s enough on that topic … and probably too much. The final note for today is in the last story below, dealing with friendship … as it is pointed out you probably have fewer “true friends” than you think (not counting the 1256 friends you might have on Facebook). When you think about it, close friends are near and dear … so do what you can to hold on to them. And how do you tell a good friend? If asked, a friend will help you move … … but a really good friend will help you move a body. Have a great day, Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA Have any questions? Please contact info@teamemerald.com
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