Become a Better Investor Newsletter – 20 June 2026
Noteworthy this week
- Fed dot plot signals a rate hike in 2026
- Record number of central banks plan to buy gold
- Tech outperformance surpasses the dot-com era
- US gas now a cornerstone of Europe’s energy mix
- Korean exports suggest semis still have room to run
Fed dot plot signals a rate hike in 2026: The median member now forecasts one hike this year, reversing the previous projection of one cut.
Big shift in Fed dot plots with the median member now forecasting 1 rate HIKE this year when previously they were forecasting 1 rate CUT.
The stock market may not like it but this is the right move if the Fed wants to regain any credibility as an inflation fighter. pic.twitter.com/kYkiqYm4ad
— Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) June 17, 2026
Record number of central banks plan to buy gold: In a survey of 74 central banks, a record share expect to increase their gold reserves over the next 12 months.
More Central Banks Than Ever Say They Will Buy Gold This Year
More central banks than ever expect to increase their gold reserves, a sign one of the key forces behind bullion’s record-breaking rally remains intact despite this year’s pullback.
In a survey of 74 central banks,… pic.twitter.com/00i4Lq9tB3
— Tracy Shuchart (𝒞𝒽𝒾 ) (@chigrl) June 16, 2026
Tech outperformance surpasses the dot-com era: The Tech Sector ETF beat the S&P 500 by 28% in just nine weeks, its largest gap on record, exceeding the 1999/2000 period. (More about it in this week’s Global Investing newsletter)
The Tech Sector ETF’s recent 28% outperformance over the S&P 500 in just 9 weeks was its biggest 9-week outperformance ever, exceeding the parabolic move higher in late 1999 and early 2000. $XLK
Video: https://t.co/9tnSST9jno pic.twitter.com/6HAISvFwB2
— Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) June 15, 2026
US gas now a cornerstone of Europe’s energy mix: Europe’s gas imports from the US have quadrupled since 2021, rising from 18.9 bcm to 75.6 bcm, as Russian supply has been cut by more than half.
US Gas Imports Have Become a Key Part of Europe’s Energy Mix pic.twitter.com/sKXcIvl7ny
— Tracy Shuchart (𝒞𝒽𝒾 ) (@chigrl) June 12, 2026
Korean exports suggest semis still have room to run: June exports are trending near +90% YoY. Based on historical correlations, this implies the semiconductor index could be 50–60% higher. (Learn more in this week’s Global Investing report, you get instant access when you join)
Korea’s export data for the first 10 days of the month was absolutely absurd, trending close to 90% YoY.
On historical correlations, that would imply a fair value for the semiconductor index that is potentially 50 to 60% higher than current levels.
Yes, I said that. pic.twitter.com/FlZWPDBl8L
— Andreas Steno Larsen (@AndreasSteno) June 12, 2026
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Podcasts we listened to this week
The Journal | The Great IPO Frenzy of 2026
“2026 is set to be a monster year for tech IPOs. SpaceX hit the market with a blockbuster $1.77 trillion valuation while Anthropic and OpenAI are set to go public later this year. WSJ’s investing columnist Spencer Jakab takes us inside the IPO bonanza and explores the risks potentially hiding behind all the hype. Jessica Mendoza hosts.”
Readings this week
Ray Dalio | Investment Principle: What Should You Do Under Existing Conditions?
“Imagine that you’re playing a game like bridge, poker, backgammon, or chess and have to make your move, and you have a computer that works with you to assess the circumstances and suggest a move. That’s what playing the investment game is like for me.”
More about it in this week’s Global Investing newsletter
Memes of the week
— naiive (@naiivememe) June 16, 2026
— Savio Shetty (@abeautifulmind7) June 17, 2026
Published on Become a Better Investor this week
Why do more pressure, more meetings, and more accountability so often produce the same outcomes? John Dues and Andrew Stotz explore Deming’s overlooked insight that results are created by systems — not effort alone.
Listen to What Deming Knew That Your Dashboard Doesn’t
Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company Limited (002415 SZ): Profitable Growth rank of 4 was down compared to the prior period’s 3rd rank. This is above average performance compared to 620 large Info Tech companies worldwide.
Read Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology – World Class Benchmarking
Kangwon Land Company Limited (035250 KS): Profitable Growth rank of 5 was down compared to the prior period’s 2nd rank. This is average performance compared to 900 large Cons. Disc. companies worldwide.
Read Kangwon Land – World Class Benchmarking
Pan-United Corporation Limited (PAN SP): Profitable Growth rank of 2 was up compared to the prior period’s 3rd rank. This is World Class performance compared to 1,110 medium Industrials companies worldwide.
Read Pan-United Corporation – World Class Benchmarking
Enel Americas SA (ENELAM CI): Profitable Growth rank of 6 was down compared to the prior period’s 5th rank. This is below average performance compared to 300 large Utilities companies worldwide.
Read Enel Americas SA – 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.