The Signal Amidst the Noise

AT&T is not just an old Company, it's one of the Oldest Holdings in my Portfolio. I've been more than happy with the Investment for both Trading and Dividend Income. The accumulation of Equities (Inventory) over time offers the greatest amount of leverage for Trading. It is the number of Shares that allows us to realize a lot of profit from the small moves of a, "Beta Stock," like AT&T. AT&T Transition Back to Basics You probably know AT&T as one of the biggest phone companies in the world, right? Well, they also owned a bunch of media stuff, like Warner Brothers, HBO, CNN and more. They bought them a few years ago for a whopping $85 billion. That’s a lot of money, even for AT&T. But guess what? They just decided to sell them off and merge them with another media company called Discovery. Discovery makes shows like Shark Week, Deadliest Catch and 90 Day Fiancé. The new company will be called Warner Bros. Discovery, and it will have a lot of movies ...

Sometime during the year 2014, I experienced a Blood Clot. More specifically, it was my fourth experience with a Blood Clot and by-far the most memorable and debilitating. I don't believe it was described as a, "Pulmonary Embolism," by the Physicians. As I understand, a fragment broke free, passed through my heart and became lodged between my right heart valve and left lung. The moment it occurred is quite memorable, to say the least. I realized it was time for reflection and to make some life changes because that Blood Clot almost, "Took me out". I was a little obese, by U.S. standards. Working as a Delivery Driver, there was significant activity in my life accompanied by a lot of Driving. My diet was terrible because I was always, "On the Go". Bloodwork revealed an autoimmune disease called Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome (APS). Essentially, my immune system for some reason started attacking the elements that prevents the blood from Clotting or, "Kee...

The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike of 2023 was one of the longest and largest labor disputes in the history of the American auto industry. More than 50,000 workers walked off their jobs at General Motors (GM), Ford, and Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) plants across the country, demanding higher wages, better benefits, and more job security. The strike lasted more than two months, thus far, and cost the auto companies billions of dollars in lost production and sales. The strike also had significant implications for the U.S. economy, as it contributed to inflation, reduced employment, and disrupted supply chains. But what caused the UAW strike in the first place? Inflation is the main factor that triggered the Strike and influenced its outcomes. Inflation is the general increase in the prices of goods and services over time, which reduces the purchasing power and real income of consumers. Inflation affects both workers and employers in various ways, such as eroding wages, increasin...

We all know the feeling of being interrupted by a notification. It could be a text from a friend, a breaking news alert, an e-mail, or a reminder to drink water. Whatever it is, it makes us look away from what we were doing and check our alerts on a computer or phone. I have a variety of apps on my phone and computer, and the number keeps growing as the, "Internet of Things," progresses. Sometimes these notifications are a complete distraction and today was a day riddled with unwanted, "Alerts". So, I took a few minutes to address the situation on my Android Devices. I can now instantly tell if, "Mom is triggering her driveway Camera," or, "my wife let the dog out back," and more importantly, a Stock was just purchased through E*Trade!

The Housing Market and the Home Building Industry are intricately linked to the fluctuations of interest rates, which are determined by the monetary policy of the Central Bank and the supply and demand of money in the economy. Interest rates affect the cost and availability of credit, which in turn influences the demand and supply of housing, as well as the profitability and competitiveness of Home Builders. In this Post, I will share how I see rising interest rates impacting the Home Building Industry and Buyers in various ways, using empirical evidence, theoretical models, and some witty anecdotes! One of the direct effects of rising interest rates is that they make borrowing more expensive for both home buyers and home builders. Higher interest rates increase the monthly payments and the total cost of mortgages, which can reduce the affordability and attractiveness of homeownership for potential buyers. This can lower the demand for new and existing homes, leading to lower sales and...

What do you get when you combine a brilliant mind, a passion for mathematics, and a knack for finance? You get Jim Simons, a mathematician, billionaire, hedge fund manager, and philanthropist. He is the founder of Renaissance Technologies, a quantitative hedge fund that uses mathematical models and algorithms to make investment gains from market inefficiencies. He is also known for his contributions to geometry, topology, and string theory, as well as his support for education, health, and autism research. Jim Simmons emerged from the bottom of the Atlantic. I mean, he influenced my understanding of profiting from the Stock Market, but he seemed to come from no-where. He just appeared and really profited from the Market using his, "Edge". His record is amazing, and it leaves a lot of people wondering, if he has an Insider (Black Edge in Investing lingo). Nobody touches Jim Simmons in returns, but he has been surpassed in accumulation of wealth.

Notable Investors is a series of Essays outlining Investors that have influenced, inspired, and taught me to be a better Investor. First is Ray Dalio, in my Notable Investors Series. Not only do I admire Ray for Philanthropy, I found his Book, "Principles," to be shaping, informative, and motivating. Easily the Notable Investor I admire the most and one has helped shape my Investment Strategies, encouraged diversification, and taught me a thing or two through his Books and Podcasts. Notable Investors: Ray Dalio Ray Dalio is a legendary Investor, Innovator, and Leader. He is the Founder and Co-Chairman of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest and most successful Hedge Fund. He is also the author of Principles: Life & Work, a best-selling book that reveals his personal and professional journey and his core values and principles. He has a net worth of over $20 billion, making him one of the world’s richest people. But what sets Dalio apart from other investors? How doe...