David Reavill

Investors' concern is palpable. This week, stocks declined sharply, especially after the rollout of President Trump's Tariff Program on Wednesday. Especially pronounced has been the decline in the NASDAQ Index, which, up to now, has been leading the markets to higher prices. But a careful review of this Index shows that this week was merely the exclamation point of what has been an ongoing decline.

On April 2, 2025, from the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump announced the third era of American Tariffs. It was a much-anticipated event, with the global financial world holding its collective breath. Seemingly, no one knew the details of these new taxes on imports.

On April 2, 2025, from the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump announced the third era of American Tariffs. It was a much-anticipated event, with the global financial world holding its collective breath. Seemingly, no one knew the details of these new taxes on imports.

For anyone who's ever had a bank loan, from a credit card to a home mortgage, you know the chill that runs up your spine at the mention of a phone call from your favorite bank lender. The thought that you've missed a payment, or even if you're late, brings in all the ramifications of a loss in credit score, or, even worse, a hefty penalty or, worst still, a foreclosure.

I first heard the term "Helicopter Money" in November 2002 when a trader friend of mine called and said, "Did you hear what that new guy on the Fed said last night? He said we should drop money, as if from a helicopter if we ever get as bad as the Japanese. LOL!"

On Wednesday, March 19, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee made its latest decision on interest rates: "Steady as she goes," said the Fed, a succinct decision that led to one of the shortest Fed statements in recent memory.

We started following Warren Buffett's cash position a year ago. At the time (the end of 2023), he had accumulated $163 Billion, an unheard-of sum. Many felt that the “Oracle from Omaha” had reached his limit, that he'd gone as far as he would. However, it turned out that Buffett had only just begun raising cash. By the end of 2024, Berkshire Hathaway's cash position had risen to $334 Billion—incredible!

We started following Warren Buffett's cash position a year ago. At the time (the end of 2023), he had accumulated $163 Billion, an unheard-of sum. Many felt that the “Oracle from Omaha” had reached his limit, that he'd gone as far as he would. However, it turned out that Buffett had only just begun raising cash. By the end of 2024, Berkshire Hathaway's cash position had risen to $334 Billion—incredible!

A growing number of analysts on Wall Street are calling for a slowing economy—perhaps not an outright recession, but enough of a slowdown to cause headaches for the bankers. With as much debt as we have in the financial system, read "loans" from banks, even a tiny increase in slow payments or defaults can mean big trouble for banks.

A growing number of analysts on Wall Street are calling for a slowing economy—perhaps not an outright recession, but enough of a slowdown to cause headaches for the bankers. With as much debt as we have in the financial system, read "loans" from banks, even a tiny increase in slow payments or defaults can mean big trouble for banks.