Working Together
Like a river rushing over a break in the terrain, our world now cascades over the precipice of change, change in the heart of civilization. Not for the first time has such change erupted across the deserts of the Middle East - The Middle Kingdom. Not for the last time are we witnessing, experiencing, the fear, pain, hope and challenge of such change.
And not for the first time are we concerned, for the peoples of Iran, for their culture, for the global weal. Many fear such change, assuming a cataclysm. Where a change in landscape is merely evident.
We are here to discuss the economics of the Iran Affair. Politics, religion and culture are for others. Let’s talk about your money,
You may recall that in December I made significant changes to most portfolios. Change in anticipation of
Reduced taxes
Tariff quirks
Inflation vagaries
Demographic fluctuations
And yes, The Middle East
We added uranium, natural gas, oil, space and defense ETFs, while reducing cash equivalents as rates declined. We maintain gold as usual.
These changes faired well during the first two months of the year. They are now acting as both bridges and moats.
As the markets react to petroleum impoundment, fierce bombings and fears of worse, we are rather well seated on the sidelines. Awaiting the turmoil to end. The river’s flow to calmer waters. As it always so flows.
Given the massive deployment of weapons, armament and human technology, I doubt the Iranian regime will last much longer. I have been there. It is a vast nation, twice the geographical area of Texas with twice the population of California. It is also a most horrific society for women, children, the educated and for professionals.
Some may call Mr Trump a fascist. He is fool’s gold in comparison to the religious fanatics who rule such a wonderful nation, such a brilliant culture, such a long-lasting country as Iran. The people are suppressed in horrible ways by those who take joy in such horrors. Just ask any Iranian- American citizen. Ask yourself why they are so joyful, so exuberant, so impatient for this ruse of a dictatorship to end. 36,000 killed, a quarter of a million willfully shot in the eyes, beaten in hospitals, tortured in the prisons. Why? For peaceful assembly in their own streets.
The Straights of Hormuz are now closed. Petroleum products and distillates are being priced accordingly. I and numerous others feel these price instabilities will be temporary. The missiles, drones and weapons of the Iranian regime are being systematically destroyed. Increasingly so each day. Israel saw 80 daily air attacks last weekend. This figure has dropped by 80% in a few days. The UAE has received more air attacks than Israel. And shot down virtually every one of these symbionts.
The Iranian forces have attacked a dozen of their closest, friendliest neighbors. Common Shiites and Sunni. Even the Turks. If this isn’t a death wish, I’d like to see a more inflammable one. This cannot go on. No one can be this insane. And if they perpetuate these attacks, they will self-immolate quickly.
Perhaps then the Iranian people can and will rise against their oppressors and take back their brilliant nation. Instill real faith in the future: for themselves, their family and their culture. When they do, a new world will arise from these ashes. Their neighbors have billions. The Iranian nation is one of the best educated in the world. Support, capital, engineering skills and health care will arise from these flames. The global threat of terrorism will be decimated.
We can go back to discussing value vs, growth stocks. Bonds vs. stocks. Space vs. moon-based AI functionalities.
Elon Must vs. whomever you like.
The TV series Tehran is quite an education for those who have never been to the region. The stars are women of strength; faith is an integral aspect of life. Israel and Iran can remember their shared constancy once again.
I pay attention to the news. Globally. I interpret it rather than accept it. I do so to protect each of you. My concerns today are more about the effects upon China than the Persian Gulf. The credit markets are showing wary signs of 2008 once again.
Spring is here in North Carolina. Everything is blooming after a long, hard, cold winter. Go for a walk. Take your date to the show and dinner. Take a drive to the Sierras or Cascades, the Rockies or the Everglades. Be grateful for your health, your family, your neighbors, your faith and your nation.
Eat wisely
Sleep well
Love With Abandon!