Top Three Takeaways – May 12th, 2021
- Good vibrations. The Beach Boys aren’t just on the brain because I’d been vacationing, it’s because of Florida’s coronavirus trend. No dynamic is more important to our lives that’s otherwise out of our control than Florida’s trend for COVID-19 cases. And today marks three straight weeks of an improvement in that trend. Where literally everyday Florida’s had fewer new cases than the same day in the prior week. We’ve averaging about 2,500 fewer daily cases than a month ago, and 3,000 fewer than the recent peak on April 19th. About a fifth of Florida’s population is under the age of 18. The combination of having over 80% of Florida’s senior population vaccinated along with 53% of Florida’s entire adult population provides reason for continued optimism. Especially given the seasonal wind for viruses is at our back. Forget “new normals”. That’s an excuse for those who want to use the virus as a catalyst for progressivism to change our lives through often authoritarian policies. We’re on the precipice to getting back to normal. Life is always changing anyway based on technology and trends. There’s a lot to feel good about provided we don’t cede freedom in the name of a virus and to be conditioned to accept “new normals” which equal less freedom.
- Passports. Remember the good ole’ days, like 15 months ago, when the first thing that came to mind was international travel? Now what’s first on your mind? Vaccines, right? There are numerous questions right now as to if Florida’s ban on vaccine passports will create a standoff with the cruise industry. Currently being discussed by the Florida Seaport and Economic and Transportation Development Council, is an idea to petition the DeSantis administration to exempt the cruise industry to meet the CDC’s vaccine mandate as a means of lifting the “no sail” order. As I discuss in today’s Q&A, there are more questions than answers as to if it’s even possible for the governor to do something unilaterally after July 1st if he wanted to. That’s when Florida’s new law kicks in. Also, there’s something strange to the thought of having to have two passports to travel. That story is one to watch and I will be.
- Cash is trash. That’s because inflation is real. It’s now been over a decade since I served as a financial analyst covering the Great Recession and I’ve progressively provided less economic analysis as the scope of my role changed over the years. As such, the last time I made an especially specific call was my analysis of President Trump’s tax cuts debunking the false narratives and BS guidance by most economists. It’s time for another. Inflation is real. Inflation is here and all of the free puppies and candy and free Biden bucks is already being paid for by you in the form of higher prices – let alone through your taxes overtime. There is never a free lunch – someone is always paying. The government has nothing it doesn’t collect from us – thus it can’t give anything away for free. The average college graduate is financially illiterate, meaning the average teacher is financially illiterate, meaning most Americans are unless they’ve made a meaningful effort to become informed. That’s how the lies are successfully executed though a willing and desirous news media. Anyway, here’s the deal. Inflation is picking up steam fast and you should consider the impact on your money/investments. Having assets that will inflate along with the economy will likely be more important sooner than later. I think the fed is behind the curve.
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