“It's insane to risk what you have for something you don't need.”
- Warren Buffett

"Never Split the Difference" is a book written by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, that offers insights and strategies for effective negotiation.

Reflections are important. There’s some things I’m definitely taking from 2022, things I could have done differently to improve my mental/ physical well-being and as a result have better investment returns.

Highlights: Growth in consumer spending has slowed. The economy has slowed significantly from last year’s pace. Financial conditions have tightened significantly since last year.

At the beginning of the year, I made a goal to lose 2 lbs a month. That’s a total of 24 lbs for the year and would bring me to a healthy BMI. “Shouldn’t be too hard. What’s 2 lbs a month?!” I said to myself.

Highlights of today’s Fed speech from Jerome Powell

NU Holdings (ticker: NU) reported their numbers recently. This is the only company I'm holding in this account so I'm very optimistic about their future.

A couple of inflation numbers were recently announced, Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI). Both show inflation may be moderating. However, this morning retail sales were reported and showed an increase of 1.3%.

Expectations that the Fed may slow down interest rate hikes gave the markets an initial boost yesterday. However, approximately half an hour after an initial statement, Powell stepped up to elaborate and ended the celebration.

As I write this, I catch a headline on Bloomberg TV, “Big-Tech Stocks Lose $400 Billion. And They’re Still Expensive.” This week Amazon, Google, and Apple reported earnings.

I considered giving up on the 5am Club. I went a whole week without getting up this early. I get to bed around 9:30pm but have trouble actually going to sleep. It may take at least an hour until I’m asleep.

The DOW is up 2.02%, 598 points at 30,237 as of this writing. What’s causing all the ruckus? Bank earnings from Bank of America and Bank of NY Mellon reported better than expected this morning coupled with news regarding UK tax policies.

The Fed just announced their meeting minutes with an approval of a third consecutive .75 percentage point increase. They also mentioned that they will “slow the pace of policy rate increases while assessing the effects of cumulative policy adjustments on economic activity and inflation.”

DOW is still roaring along and closed up 825 points to 30,316. Account is now $8,774. Investors may be under the impression that peak inflation may already be here and we are in an oversold market.

The first trading day of October and it was great! The DOW increased 900 points and settled around 700 points. My account is now worth $8,394.