The question, of course, is not merely whether Rivian can survive, but whether it deserves to. The market, that merciless judge, demands not just innovation, but a soul. And in the cold light of quarterly reports, the soul is often the first casualty.
The weighted average price, a dull detail, was $26.27. Market close on the 6th? $26.38. One really does wish people would be a bit more decisive. Still, perfectly respectable figures.
IEMG and IEFA. They’re both from iShares, which is reassuring. It’s like choosing between two reasonably priced, well-reviewed hotels. IEMG dives into emerging markets – think Asia, Brazil, places that might, possibly, one day, be really big. IEFA, on the other hand, is all about developed markets. Europe, Australia… places that are already quite big, and mostly staying that way. It’s a bit like choosing between a high-risk startup and a solid, reliable accountant. Both have their appeal, but they require very different temperaments.
Both chase companies that reliably send out checks to shareholders. A noble pursuit, I suppose. But they go about it differently. VIG is a bit more…refined. SCHD, a little more…practical. It’s like choosing between a tweed jacket and a sensible raincoat. Both keep you from freezing, but one suggests a certain…optimism.
Succession. Such a vulgar word, really. But inevitable, nonetheless. For years, Buffett and the late Mr. Munger – a man of bracingly direct opinions – reassured the shareholders that a plan was in place. Vague, naturally. One doesn’t broadcast one’s strategies to the rabble. Then, in 2021, the announcement: Greg Abel was the designated heir. Quite sensible. Abel, it seems, has a knack for numbers and a temperament that won’t cause the markets to spontaneously combust. Buffett, bless his heart, has even gone so far as to suggest he’d trust Abel with his personal finances. A rather damning indictment of the rest of the financial industry, wouldn’t you say?
There exist, of course, a multitude of instruments by which one may participate in this quiet prosperity. Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are perfectly adequate, provided one exercises a modicum of discernment. The truly civilized investor, however, prioritizes economy. Why squander one’s gains on exorbitant fees when a penny saved is a character trait acquired? The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO +1.95%) presents itself as a particularly…reasonable choice.
QLD is all in on the Nasdaq-100, which means…tech. Lots and lots of tech. SSO, meanwhile, is spreading the love (and the risk) around the broader S&P 500. It’s the difference between betting on one very hyped startup and investing in a diversified portfolio. One’s a high-stakes gamble; the other…slightly less so. Here’s a quick breakdown, because honestly, my brain can only handle so much financial jargon before it starts craving reality TV.
Which naturally leads to the question: is the party over? Is this one of those moments where you should cash out and book a one-way ticket to Bali? The stock’s price-to-earnings ratio of 59 certainly makes it look expensive. It’s like that dress you saw online – gorgeous, but probably won’t fit, and you’ll end up sending it back. Compared to the S&P 500 average of 29.6, it’s… well, it’s a bit of a stretch.
It appears to me that shares in Nvidia (NVDA +8.01%), Broadcom (AVGO +7.26%), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM +5.57%), and Microsoft (MSFT +2.00%) offer a particularly sound footing for future gains, and merit the closest examination. One might consider them, in essence, the most eligible partners in a rather promising financial dance.
The company’s present prosperity stems, it is generally understood, from a concentration upon those customers possessed of both means and discernment. But past accomplishments, however pleasing, offer little guarantee of future returns. The question, therefore, is whether American Express can maintain this enviable trajectory, and continue to outpace not only its competitors, but the broader market, as represented by the S&P 500?