Good morning.

The week is shaping up to be an important one for investors as conflicting stories out of Iran are absorbed and the price of oil continues to rise.

With uncertain news, investors recently learned one way to figure out exactly what is going on … just by looking at buys or sells of policy makers … who seem to have the uncanny ability to correctly “guess” in which direction the winds of war (and market direction) will gust.

Oil seems to be the prize that will go to the victor … and President Trump reportedly told Financial Times that he wants “to take the oil,’ which could cause other countries (friend or foe) with desirable commodities (or islands) to sleep with one eye open.

Meanwhile, according to the U. of Michigan sentiment index consumers are a bit concerned as respondents from all income levels are expressing concern … but even so, economist Torsten Slok points out consumer spending is holding up … even though a degree of these purchases are on credit.

And the view on inflation one year out?

A bit worrisome … as expectations were for a 3.4% rise but that has now shifted to 3.8% … which is almost double what the Fed hopes to see … which might lead some to think an increase in rates could be discussed at the next FOMC meeting.

There seems to be one benefactor in all that is going on … clean energy … as solar is not only getting more powerful (in terms of efficiency) but more interesting as costs come down and communities … and homeowners … become more accepting.

But as followers of Newton’s third law of motion like to point out, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction … and with rising prices comes rising frugality … and in this regard it seems that this may be another summer of the “staycation.”

What is a staycation?  Simply, vacations that are spent at or near home.

So this week I’ll be heading to Home Depot as my grill hasn’t been used in a while and I am sure the grates and that starter button that never works need replacing.

With prices continuing to rise … it promises to be a long summer.

And if you invite me to your home, I’ll bring the beer … though I must ask …

… do you have a pool?

Have a great day,

Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA

Have any questions? Please contact info@teamemerald.com

A Look At The News | March 30, 2026 As of 8:30 AM today … As the situation in Iran continues, there is a prize to be had by the victor … oil … and you can be sure that control of this is not something that will gleefully be handed over (CNBC) https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/30/trump-iran-oil-middle-east-war-israel-us-kuwait-attack-.html   … but investors nervously watching the markets could be moving some funds into alternative investments … such as Pokemon cards … something that was on few bingo cards (CNBC) https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/29/pokemon-card-values-rise-logan-paul-pikachu-auction.html   Climate shifts have offered many surprises this year … too much snow … too little snow … extreme cold … extreme heat … forcing many to change plans (USAToday) https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/03/30/water-drought-west-snowpack-restrictions/89320612007/   First, dolphins returned to Boston Harbor … and now a sharp increase in clams … showing the efforts to clean a once-horrid waterway have been successful (CSMonitor) https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2026/0325/boston-harbor-clams-oysters-cleanup   … even so, arguments over fossil fuels vs. clean energy will continue … but at the moment, solar appears to be on the rise (DW) https://www.dw.com/en/solar-is-winning-the-energy-race/a-76517556   Driving along you see a driver asleep at the wheel.  First, get out of the way … then quickly call the police … and hope it is a vehicle with better sense … and skills … than the driver (FoxNews) https://www.foxnews.com/us/driver-passed-out-self-driving-car-kept-moving-police-find-more-than-medical-emergency-inside   The statements above are supplied for educational purposes only. The statements depict the viewpoints and opinion of the author and are not necessarily the views of Emerald Asset Management or its affiliates. The information described herein is taken from sources which are believed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed by us. Emerald Asset Management PA, LLC | 717-556-8900 | 3175 Oregon Pike, Leola, PA 17540 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can unsubscribe from this list. ———————————————————————————- The statements above are supplied for educational purposes only. The statements depict the viewpoints and opinion of the author and are not necessarily the views of Emerald Asset Management or its affiliates. The information described herein is taken from sources which are believed to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed by us.