Saturday Thoughts!

• The stock market rushed ahead to new market highs this week, on the hopes of a China trade agreement, a Fed rate cut, and who knows what the heck else.  What continues to amaze me is the number of unbelievers on the financial TV and social media. Lots of bears. I’m wondering if this is because of social media and our political environment.  At any given time, about half of the population is experiencing cognitive dissonance, and won’t accept that the economy could possibly be on solid ground.
• Iran’s downing of a drone put a bid under gold, but didn’t seem to phase the stock market.
• I continue to be long the stock market.  This has been one of the longer bull markets from 2009 on, and the length of it should have us all concerned.  But with unemployment rates low, wages growing, low inflation, an accommodating Federal Reserve, deficit spending up the wazoo, and no other places around the world to put money, the US market still looks good.
• Bitcoin also surged back over $10K.  Why? I still don’t own any of it, or any other crypto stuff.  Facebook’s announcement of their entry into the crypto currency market seems a bit more interesting than anything else.
• President Trump calls off the ICE raids scheduled for this weekend.  Hmm… Think about it. The people here illegally probably were doing something to avoid ICE this weekend.  The next time ICE raids are scheduled, maybe these folks will think “Eh, he’s going to cancel it anyway” and they don’t do anything to avoid the ICE raids.
• Like North Korea, President Trump seems to be dangling the hope of an Iranian future full of economic prosperity rather than a collision course towards war. “Make Iran Great Again” is what President Trump offered.  Will the Iranian leaders take it?
• I was disappointed that this season of Black Mirror was only 3 episodes.  I didn’t find any of them particularity interesting, other than “Striking Vipers” was an ongoing discussion amongst friends, and we all agreed we liked “The Miley Cyrus one” as the best of the season.
• The Lakers made the big blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, who parted with Anthony Davis in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Branden Ingram, Josh Hart, and 3 picks.  One of the picks the Pellies traded to the Atlanta Hawks for even more picks. On the face of it, as a Lakers fan, looks to me the Lakers acquired a franchise center for their injured list and a bunch of future 19yr old kids.  (Remember, Lakers also acquired Wilt, Kareem, Shaq, and Pau). The Pellies do have some maneuvering room, though!
• I see Amazon is launching “budget 4K TVs,” joining Roku who has their own offerings.  I actually have a Roku TV in a room as an easy and affordable way to watch TV or streaming media.  Is the picture as good as a top of the line TV? Nope. Is it good enough and not tragic if it breaks down after a few years like they all seem to do?  Yep.
• I rushed out and bought an iPad Pro last year, and now see the same model is quite a bit cheaper at Costco today.  Lessons learned! Note to self! Just wait a bit. Nothing of consequence is needed on the bleeding edge of technology, and prices will be lower soon…. And an added bonus by waiting:  More keyboards, cases and other accessories available.
• Star Trek: Picard.   Yes, I will probably watch it.  Haven’t cancelled my CBS All Access sub yet!
• Have a great Saturday!