Become a Better Investor Newsletter – 18 April 2026
Noteworthy this week
- The US blockade of Hormuz tightens
- Amazon’s exponential capex binge
- US consumer sentiment hits a 74-year low
- While America sells, China buys
- The average person today lives better than yesterday’s kings
The US blockade of Hormuz tightens: Trump’s latest warning signals a harder posture at the world’s most important oil chokepoint.
“Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea.” – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Gj9nFCfG8T
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 13, 2026
Amazon’s exponential capex binge: Amazon has spent more building out its business over the past 3 years than in the previous 26 combined.
Amazon has spent more building out its business over the past 3 years than in the previous 26 combined. pic.twitter.com/5Fj8B7UsOQ
— Hedgeye (@Hedgeye) April 10, 2026
US consumer sentiment hits a 74-year low: The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index dates back to 1952. It has never been lower than it is today.
The US consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan goes back to 1952.
It has never been lower than it is today. pic.twitter.com/ZG0Tz7k0p9
— Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) April 10, 2026
While America sells, China buys: Chinese gold ETFs added 500,000 ounces in March, as North American funds shed 2 million. A tale of two very different reactions to the Iran war.
Chinese and North American gold investors have reacted differently to the Iran war:
North American gold ETF holdings fell -2.0 million ounces in March, to the lowest level this year.
Over the same period, Chinese gold ETFs added +500,000 ounces, to ~10.0 million, near the… pic.twitter.com/i79qqlxVTV
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) April 15, 2026
The average person today lives better than yesterday’s kings: Since 1820, humanity has multiplied ninefold, and extreme poverty has collapsed. Hard to reconcile with the idea that one person’s gain must be another’s loss.
population has grown ~9x in 200yrs, while poverty trends to 0
people act as though capitalism is a zero sum game, but it’s actually the only system that creates positive sum outcomes
the average person today is far richer than most kings in days past https://t.co/SHHfbT2V6V pic.twitter.com/Wk3Bmxpnwo
— Arthur MacWaters (@ArthurMacwaters) April 12, 2026
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Podcasts we listened to this week
The Real Eisman Playbook Ep. 55 | What the Headlines Get Wrong About the Iran War
“Steve Eisman sits down with retired U.S. Army officer John Spencer to discuss what is actually happening in the Iran war. John breaks down the four official objectives of the United States and also explores the broader geopolitical implications of the war.”
Readings this week
Business DNA: The Trust Moat of Samart Corp | Uncoveredthaistocks.com
“Why trust is the ultimate moat for three generations of the Vilailuck Family in taking Samart Corp from TV antennas to Tech conglomerate.”
Memes of the week
Don Tzu: Break an enemy blockade by blockading their blockade. pic.twitter.com/ixiaKQ7okH
— Alex Christoforou (@AXChristoforou) April 12, 2026
— Not Jerome Powell (@alifarhat79) April 15, 2026
Published on Become a Better Investor this week
PT Ciputra Development Tbk (CTRA IJ): Profitable Growth rank of 2 was same compared to the prior period’s 2nd rank. This is World Class performance compared to 200 large Real Estate companies worldwide.
Read Ciputra Development – World Class Benchmarking
Seaboard Corporation (SEB US): Profitable Growth rank of 1 was up compared to the prior period’s 10th rank. This is World Class performance compared to 560 large Cons. Staples companies worldwide.
Read Seaboard Corp – World Class Benchmarking
Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT TB): Profitable Growth rank of 7 was down compared to the prior period’s 3rd rank. This is below average performance compared to 370 large Health Care companies worldwide.
Read Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) – World Class Benchmarking
Tianma Microelectronics Company Limited (000050 SZ): Profitable Growth rank of 8 was down compared to the prior period’s 7th rank. This is below average performance compared to 620 large Info Tech companies worldwide.
Read Tianma Microelectronics – World Class Benchmarking
Westports Holdings Berhad (WPRTS MK): Profitable Growth rank of 1 was same compared to the prior period’s 1st rank. This is World Class performance compared to 1,160 medium Industrials companies worldwide.
Read Westports Holdings – World Class Benchmarking
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.