I Bid 2025 Adieu

 As we bid 2025 adieu, here is a list of what I think were the major themes of the past year and my views for the future.

• Donald Trump became President, again. The world stares in astonishment and ponders if this is how an Empire and its Emperor should act. My view?  "We live in interesting times".
• Artificial Intelligence has fired the imagination of everyone, from Wall Street to Main Street and then some. My view? The positive results will not be visible for several years yet, right now it's make hay while the Sun shines. And as far as I can tell, the technology is still at the brute force level, like using a bazooka to kill a bird.
• Precious metal prices have gone vertical, mostly because many believe they will be used as a monetary backstop. My view? There isn't nearly enough gold and silver in the world to back all the liquidity/debt in existence.  
• The US debt situation is very worrisome.  Unless the government gets its fiscal house in order by raising taxes and lowering expenses things will get really tough.  My view? The dollar's reserve status is at risk, unless..
• China is racing hard, aiming to overtake the US as the next Empire.  My view?  Not so fast, comrade - you are definitely doing well, but be a bit more patient and cautious.  Rome was not built in a day and your Coliseum may yet come crashing down.
• The US middle class - what is left of it - is getting seriously angry at its demise. My view? Mamdani in NYC is a warning shot across the bow of the 1%'s mega-yachts. 
• Climate change is real and the world will forge ahead in dealing with it, no matter what Mr. Trump says or does.  My view? Decarbonization and carbon sequestration initiatives will grow fast, creating new industries and markets.  

Wishing all a very Happy New Year!!