Talking Points: Bezos, Money Matters, Markets
Jeff Bezos, with a net worth of $156.7 billion, is donating $2 billion on his new “Day One Fund,” that would fund nonprofits that help the homeless. That would be the equivalent to the average American giving $1,187. CNBC, September 13, 2018
Sales of luxury apartments in New York City, those worth $5 million or more, fell 31% in the first half of 2018. The Wall Street Journal, August 20, 2018
On average, since the early 1800’s, stocks have returned 6.7%, after inflation. Bonds came in at 3.5%, Treasury bills at 2.6%, gold at 0.5%, while the dollar actually depreciated by -1.4%. That means $1 invested in stocks over that time would have turned into $1.4 million while that same dollar in bonds would have become $1,599 and T-bills would be worth $263. Gold clocks in at $3.09 and if you held onto that dollar, it would now be worth 4.8 cents. Wharton, September 18, 2018
“One thousand dollars that earns 8% a year will grow to $43 quadrillion in 400 years. It is the first 100 years that is the hardest!” Sidney Homer
“Pre-crash stock market periods show common patterns of excessive optimism, a widespread use of borrowed money to buy stocks, and an erosion of the fundamental foundation of the market.” Benjamin Graham
While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac withdrew $119.8 billion and $71.6 billion from the Treasury during the Great Recession, they’ve since paid back $167.3 billion and $112.4 bullion in dividends, meaning the Treasury is $88.3 billion in the black thanks to the bailouts. CNBC, September 6, 2018
“More than anytime in human history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness. The other to total extinction. Let’s pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly.” Woody Allen
