Baun & Pate Investment Group, 5-Star Advisory Team 2024

As the Roman philosopher and statesman Lucius Annaeus Seneca once said: “Yield not to adversity; trust not to prosperity; keep before your eyes the full scope of Fortune’s power, as if she would surely do whatever is in her power to do.” This sentiment resonates as we examine the current economic landscape shaped by Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

There are moments in life that leave a lasting impression. For me, two significant memories from the 1985 Live Aid concert stand out: Queen’s iconic performance and Dire Straits, featuring Sting, introducing the world to their classic song Money for Nothing. Since the late 1980s, following Japan’s economic miracle, the idea of creating “money for nothing” has become a go-to strategy for many involved in crafting fiscal policy. However, this tactic ultimately solves nothing. Should investors be concerned?

As we emerge from the shadow of COVID-19, a narrative of robust economic recovery has taken hold. Yet, beneath this veneer of stability lies a disconcerting truth; the fundamental issues that plagued the global economy before the pandemic remain largely unresolved. French critic and journalist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr’s adage resonates deeply with our current economic landscape.