Mining bitcoin requires users to solve complex mathematical equations using high-powered computer setups. The electric consumption used in the process leaves an annual carbon footprint equal to the nation of New Zealand. CNBC, February 22, 2021
The average price of a used vehicle surged nearly 14% between January and December of 2020 — roughly 10 times the rate of inflation — to over $23,000. Axios, February 25, 2021
As of December 30, 2020, margin debt in the U.S. was a staggering $778 billion, 34% higher than the $679 billion amount a year earlier. CNBC, February 23,
“There are three things that can predict a future bear market: Excessive optimism, the erosion of the fundamental foundation of the underlying securities, and excessive margin debt.” Benjamin Graham
When analyzing how the S&P 500 performed under varying levels of core inflation, equities performed above average in an environment where core inflation was between 1% and 4%. Morningstar, February 21, 2021
Since Jeff Bezos took his company public in 1997, only one stock has outperformed Amazon’s 38.4% annualized return: Monster Beverage. The energy drink company has risen 41.7% over the same period. A $1,000 investment in Hansen’s Natural Corp — what Monster was called in 1997- would be worth $3.9 million today. Quartz, February 8, 2021
“If it is a 10-minute speech, it takes me all of two weeks to prepare it; if it is a half-hour speech, it takes me a week; if I can talk as long as I want to, it requires no preparation at all. I am ready now.” Woodrow Wilson
