Good morning. Markets today are relatively flat as we reach the middle of this trade-shortened week, thanks to the New Year’s Day holiday. Probably the most interesting news of the week was the volatility in silver (the metal, not the horse) … down one day by 9%, up 7% the next … finding investors scrambling. While most focus on gold as the inflation-protecting commodity of choice … with the gold ETF rising by over 60%, year to date … the silver ETF (“SLV”) laughs at this “underperformer” and brags about its own 150% return since the start of the year. Investors are starting to focus on 2026, wondering what could be in store … and many look at next week’s “CES” (Consumer Electronics Show) for hints as to what may lie ahead. Early reading brings three exciting things to mind … in addition to normal improvements in household items such as televisions and refrigerators. And what does next week’s show promise? Increased focus on “humanoid robots” (not as far in the future as you may think), flying cars and personal helicopters … and … well … Artificial Intelligence incorporated in so many things that may, in hindsight, make things we now have in our homes seem quite unintelligent indeed. New things really do have a way of sneaking up on us. I mean … as a binge-watching freak I was shocked to find that Netflix is not the most popular streaming service … and YouTube has rapidly taken over. There are so many things now available in addition to just plain entertainment. I included today an article on “dating apps” … as there are a large number out there with many focused on finding your “perfect partner of interest” (for who wants to waste time going through the weeds?). I also included an article (the last one below) that resonated … as I recently read an article in which “influencer” Logan Paul advised young investors to invest in collectibles (such as Pokemon cards) as he feels it offers better returns than stocks. Of course, my message is to always diversify … but still I might go through some old cards in my attic to see if there are any gems I’m not aware of. I just need to do something as I am quite impatient when it comes to investing. I have a friend in the investment field who told me yesterday that I should relax because when it comes to investing, “time is my greatest asset” … and mentioning time being on my side is a bit worrisome as I get older … because I feel like I am running out of it. Have a great day, Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA Have any questions? Please contact info@teamemerald.com
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