A penny used to buy a stick of gum or a piece of candy. Today, it buys almost nothing, and many vending machines and parking meters won’t accept one at all.To be clear, while no new pennies will be produced, they remain legal tender and will continue to circulate. Still, Harrison’s point hits at a broader reality: With aggressive money printing, the dollar’s purchasing power keeps shrinking. Pennies, nickels, dimes — even dollars — simply don’t go as far as they once did.He might be onto something. The cost ...

Core Insights - StepStone Group reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $454.2 million, exceeding analyst expectations by 71.1% and achieving a year-on-year growth of 118% [2][5][7] - The company's non-GAAP profit was $0.54 per share, which was 10.6% above the consensus estimates of $0.49 [2][7] - StepStone Group has a market capitalization of $4.92 billion and manages over $100 billion in assets [2] Revenue Growth - Over the last five years, StepStone Group has achieved a compounded annual growth rate of 31.4% in revenue, outperforming the average financials company [3] - The annualized revenue growth over the last two years stands at 42.8%, indicating a recent acceleration in demand [4] Quarterly Performance - The significant revenue growth of 118% in Q3 CY2025 reflects strong demand and effective business strategies [5][7] - The stock price remained stable at $62.24 immediately after the earnings report, suggesting market confidence in the results [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The recent volatility in gold prices, including a significant drop of 6.3% on October 21, is seen as a correction within a continuing bull market rather than an end to the upward trend [2][4]. Market Sentiment - Market sentiment can shift rapidly, with investors often reacting emotionally to price movements, leading to potential selling at unfavorable levels [1][2]. - Peter Schiff emphasizes that during a bull market, the largest price movements are typically downward, which can mislead investors into thinking the market is reversing [2][3]. Gold Market Analysis - Schiff argues that the recent decline in gold prices is a necessary reset to eliminate weaker investors and prepare for future gains, suggesting that gold remains a strong buy below $4,000 [4][5]. - He predicts that gold could reach prices as high as $26,000 or even $100,000, driven by a decline in the value of fiat currency rather than changes in gold itself [4][6]. Investment Perspectives - Gold is viewed as a safe haven asset, especially during economic turmoil, as it is not subject to inflationary pressures like fiat currencies [5][6]. - Prominent investors, including Ray Dalio and Jamie Dimon, support the notion that gold should be a significant part of investment portfolios, especially in uncertain economic conditions [6]. Investment Strategies - One suggested method for investing in gold is through a gold IRA, which combines the benefits of retirement accounts with gold investments, providing tax advantages [7].

Group 1 - Zions Bancorporation recently disclosed a $50 million charge related to two commercial industrial loans, which is significant for a smaller regional bank compared to larger institutions like JPMorgan [1] - The company provides a range of banking services including commercial, real estate, and consumer banking, as well as capital markets, investment banking, and wealth management [2] Group 2 - There is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk compared to Zions Bancorporation [3]

Core Insights - Real estate investor Grant Cardone emphasizes the importance of taking risks in both Monopoly and real-life investing, stating that those who do not take risks will end up paying rent to those who do [1] Group 1: Investment Strategies - Buying assets with a paycheck is essential for making money work for an individual, serving as a foundation for building a retirement nest egg [2][3] - Cardone highlights the tax advantages of real estate investments, which can generate cash flow and provide tax write-offs [4] Group 2: Risk Management - Taking risks is crucial for growth, as demonstrated in the Monopoly game where ambitious players can reap rewards despite the potential for financial loss [5][6] - The risks associated with investing extend beyond traditional methods, including starting a business and networking, which can enhance skills and lead to better opportunities [7] Group 3: Portfolio Construction - While taking risks is beneficial, it is important to balance risk-taking with prudent investment choices, distinguishing between strategic investments and reckless gambling [8]

Company Strategy - Opendoor, a $6 billion real estate company, will accept Bitcoin ($BTC) and other cryptocurrency payments [1]

Macroeconomic Shift - The research indicates a shift from a debt deflation mindset, prevalent since the 2008-2009 Great Financial Crisis (GFC), to a currency debasement mindset marked by large procyclical fiscal deficits [1] - The debasement mindset prioritizes protecting purchasing power against asset and monetary debasement, and asset inflation [1] - The research suggests this shift is a secular change lasting over a decade, with investors gradually recognizing its implications [1] Investment Strategy - The research favors equities, gold, Bitcoin, and real estate as preferred assets in the debasement era, viewing them as inflation hedges [1] - Dips in these assets are expected to be short-lived as investors prioritize protecting purchasing power [1] - Equities are considered inflation hedges because S&P earnings have generally tracked above inflation over the past couple of decades [1] - The S&P 500 is projected to reach 7,000 by 2026, based on anticipated earnings, margins, and reasonable multiples on sales and earnings [1] Bond Market - The research suggests bonds will have a place in portfolios, offering valuable diversification [1][6] - A cyclical period of disinflation is expected, driven by factors like weaker oil prices, a softening labor market, and lower shelter inflation [1][8] - The Federal Reserve's rate cuts are anticipated to influence bond yields, with potential for a bull steepening in the yield curve [1][10] Labor Market - The research suggests the weakening labor statistics may be both cyclical and structural, influenced by technology innovation like AI [1][25] - Immigration trends impact the labor market, affecting the break-even rate for job creation needed to maintain a constant unemployment rate [1][47] - The research describes a "malignant stasis" in the labor market, where the unemployment rate may not rise significantly, but underlying conditions could be fragile [1][50] Gold and Bitcoin - The fund is overweight both gold and Bitcoin, viewing them as positive assets in the debasement world [1][55] - Gold is expected to continue its secular bull market, with violent moves higher and longer-lasting trends than anticipated [1][58] - A rotation back into Bitcoin relative to gold is anticipated towards the year-end or in the next six months [1][60]

Investment Strategy - Investors should consider allocating to stocks, Bitcoin, gold, and real estate [1] - Currency debasement is a key factor influencing investment decisions [1] Analyst Perspective - Warren Pies is considered a top analyst on Wall Street [1] - He offers a unique view on currency debasement [1]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett's significant cash reserves raise questions about his investment strategy and market outlook, particularly regarding stock valuations and potential economic downturns [3][4] - Buffett emphasizes the importance of investing in businesses with durable competitive advantages and understanding investments to mitigate risks [8] Group 1: Cash Reserves and Investment Strategy - Buffett's cash reserves reached $347.7 billion by the end of Q1 2025, prompting speculation about whether he believes stocks are overvalued or is preparing for a major acquisition [4] - Analysts interpret Buffett's cash hoarding as a "risk-off" mindset, which may signal concerns about the economy and market conditions [3] - Buffett has expressed caution regarding cash as a long-term asset, highlighting its diminishing purchasing power due to inflation [5][4] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Investing in stocks is a primary focus for Buffett, who has historically built his wealth through equities, particularly U.S. stocks, and remains confident in their long-term value [7] - Real estate is presented as a reliable hedge against inflation, with property values and rental income typically rising during inflationary periods [10][11] - Gold is highlighted as a safe haven asset, with prices surging by 27% in 2024, reflecting its appeal during economic uncertainty [16][15]

Core Insights - David A. Johnson is the founder and principal of Endurance Capital Management, specializing in various investment vehicles including stocks, bonds, options, ETFs, REITs, real estate, closed-end funds, hedge funds, and private credit [1] Group 1 - David A. Johnson has over 30 years of experience in investing and holds a Master of Science (MS) Degree in Finance with a concentration in Investment Analysis from Boston University [1] - He also possesses a Certificate in Financial Planning and an MBA from Fordham University [1]