Good morning.

I was in sharp panic mode early this morning as my computer completely shut down and I was unable to do anything at all.  I feared all stuff on it (schoolwork, taxes, writings, recipes and even golf tips saved … which, admittedly, have proven worthless) … would be permanently lost.  Fortunately, my fear was temporary as a half dozen reboots (and resetting to an earlier date) got things back in order.

Investors today are themselves hoping for a reboot of sorts as while a ceasefire is supposedly being discussed, many long for a return to the calmness … and gas prices … we had just over a month ago. Fortunately, perhaps, they might get their wish for OPEC announced this morning that as soon as the Strait is open that group will increase output … while skeptics wonder if this is being considered only due to higher prices … which will then see a pullback when things settle down.

And while investors obviously are hopeful that talks pan out … there is only slight positive movement in stocks at this morning’s open … and the thought is that many are waiting for confirmation that a ceasefire will really be happening … since there have been so many claims.

You must think that even when this is over, some will consider alternative sources of power … not wanting to always be fearful that one area of the world can have so much control over their livelihoods.   Solar energy has been on the rise … and with “patio solar installations” … which I’ve written about recently … and today’s last article below which tells of a breakthrough in the ability to get solar power at night (lunar power?) it might be time to consider some investments in that area.

I also saw the President chimed in on college athletics, attempting to place limits on those who use the “transfer portal” to constantly move from school-to-school in the search for more playing time and … no doubt … more NIL money.  I just read that 40% of Division I basketball players entered the portal before the 2024-2025 season which is unfortunate for those programs that built teams around the talents of one or two players (who are now gone).  What comes immediately to mind is the statement in “Rudy” when he was told to be proud because he was “… going to walk of here with a degree from the University of Notre Dame…” with the context being that playing a sport took a backseat to the education and the degree he was getting.  Many seem to have forgotten that.

On a final item for today, and noted in the last article below, comes the onset of spring … but all is not so pleasurable for those who suffer from allergies.

I even hear there is a singing group that used calm music to soothe these sufferers …

… Peter Pollen Mary.

Have a great day,

Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA

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A Look At The News | April 6, 2026 As of 9:58 AM today … A lot of people are angry about the war … but is the main reason because they are paying more for items as a result?  After all, it is akin to tax (temporary as it may be) (CNBC) https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/04/us-iran-war-gas-prices-diesel-jet-fuel-economy-consumer-tax.html   … but views will probably soften once the Strait of Hormuz is open again … especially if OPEC boosts oil output as mentioned (NYPost) https://nypost.com/2026/04/05/business/opec-agrees-to-boost-oil-output-when-strait-of-hormuz-reopens/   With concern over an aging population, Japan is making greater use of robots … but they aren’t taking over good jobs so much but, rather, those that no one cares to do (TechCrunch) https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/05/japan-is-proving-experimental-physical-ai-is-ready-for-the-real-world/   Solar power has seen a sharp increase recently … even with concerns that without the sun, efficiency would vanish.  But what if they worked at night?  Lunar power? (Discover) https://discoverwildscience.com/solar-panels-that-work-at-night-the-next-big-leap-in-renewable-energy-4-287981/   What is one exercise that can add the most years to your life?  Some think tennis is key.  Grandma, happy birthday.  I bought you a tennis racket (Telegraph) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/fitness/workouts/how-tennis-can-add-years-to-your-life/   With spring comes warmer temperatures and longer days … but there is one trade-off … as those who suffer allergies will well attest (Frommers) https://www.frommers.com/tips/health-and-travel-insurance/pollen-allergies-are-getting-worse-nationwide-heres-how-to-keep-your-head-clear-while-traveling/ 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.