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Become a Better Investor Newsletter – 12 October 2024

Noteworthy this week

  • Lost decades are common
  • Blackrock–the new BTC maxi
  • US creates more gov’t jobs
  • China sees record drop
  • Peak obesity in the US

Lost decades are common: GMO research shows 6 “lost decades” in which an investor in a 60/40 portfolio would have broken even relative to inflation or lost money in real terms.

Blackrock–the new BTC maxi: Blackrock is now pitching Bitcoin to its clients and says it “possesses similar characteristics to that of other global monetary alternatives.”

US creates more gov’t jobs: The September jobs report came in strong. The report shows the strength was in 785,000 new government jobs, the second-largest monthly increase on record.

China sees record drop: Following a record return week before the golden week in China, as stock markets reopened, Chinese stocks saw a record fall.

Peak obesity in the US: For the first time in decades, obesity rates are falling in the US. What do you think is the reason?


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Weekly market performance

Click here to see more markets and periods.


Chart of the week


Discussed in the Become a Better Investor Community this week

“Please find the above performance chart of the 5 stock strategies and 1 asset allocation strategy you have access to in the community.”

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Podcasts we listened to this week

#2204 – Matt Walsh – The Joe Rogan Experience

“Matt Walsh is a political commentator, author, filmmaker, and host of ‘The Matt Walsh Show’ podcast. His newest project is the theatrically released film ‘Am I Racist?’”

Listen on Apple or Spotify.


Readings this week

Third Quarter 2024 Economic and Market Review and Outlook

“The Federal Reserve’s signaling to market that their next moves will be rate cuts actually makes it more difficult to cut rates.”

Read the article.


Book recommendation

Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States by James C. Scott

“Why did humans abandon hunting and gathering for sedentary communities dependent on livestock and cereal grains, and governed by precursors of today’s states? Most people believe that plant and animal domestication allowed humans, finally, to settle down and form agricultural villages, towns, and states, which made possible civilization, law, public order, and a presumably secure way of living. But archaeological and historical evidence challenges this narrative.”

Get the book on Audible or Kindle.

Audible is great; have you tried it? If not, click here to get 2 books for free.


Memes of the week


New My Worst Investment Ever episodes

Ep793: Damon Pistulka – The Role of Technology in Business Growth

BIO: Damon Pistulka, co-founder of Exit Your Way, is known for his hands-on, practical approach to helping business owners maximize value and achieve successful exits.

STORY: Damon explains his journey into understanding technology and its role in business growth.

LEARNING: Stay informed and adapt to changing industry trends. Adapt to changing customer expectations and preferences.

Access the episode’s show notes and resources


Published on Become a Better Investor this week

In this episode, John Dues and Andrew Stotz discuss the first part of John’s path for improvement model – setting the challenge. Using an example from United Schools Network, John explains their aspirations for cutting chronic absenteeism rates.

Listen to Setting the Challenge: Path for Improvement (Part 2)

Goertek Incorporated (002241 SZ): Profitable Growth rank of 1 was up compared to the prior period’s 9th rank. This is World Class performance compared to 630 large Info Tech companies worldwide.

Read Goertek – World Class Benchmarking

AGL Energy Limited (AGL AU): Profitable Growth rank of 3 was up compared to the prior period’s 10th rank. This is above average performance compared to 290 large Utilities companies worldwide.

Read AGL Energy – World Class Benchmarking

PT Pakuwon Jati Tbk (PWON IJ): Profitable Growth rank of 2 was same compared to the prior period’s 2nd rank. This is World Class performance compared to 290 medium Real Estate companies worldwide.

Read Pakuwon Jati – World Class Benchmarking

China saw a massive rebound, and Gold did well. Performance review of our strategies in September 2024 – All Weather Inflation Guard fell 0.1%, All Weather Strategy was gained 1.6%, All Weather Alpha Focus fell 0.4%.

Read A. Stotz All Weather Strategies – September 2024


DISCLAIMER: This content is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Readers should not consider statements made by the author(s) as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. While the information provided is believed to be accurate, it may include errors or inaccuracies. The author(s) cannot be held liable for any actions taken as a result of reading this article.