The primary challenge facing AI investment is the uncertainty surrounding its economic viability. Many AI models, particularly large language models (LLMs), are capital-intensive, requiring massive computational power while generating limited immediate revenue. The current AI expenditure model mirrors an industrial manufacturing approach, where high upfront costs may not yield expected long-term profitability.

Whether AI investment yields substantial ROI or becomes a cautionary tale of over investment remains to be seen.

Speculation has gained an increasing share of markets, as we have glorified the short-term trade. In the 1950s the average holding period of a stock (ie. a business) was 8 years. Today it is closer to 5 months. A businesses performance has become all about the stock price. CEOs are compensated, not on the success of the business, but the gain in the stock price.

Read more about we and Grant Williams thinks about this strategy.

This week I share with you a summary of a talk that famed investor Howard Marks, Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management and a legendary value investor I greatly admire, shared with his clients. Marks has been quite prescient at turning points in financial markets and it is worth listening to his market wisdom.

As summer quickly comes to a close and kids are headed back to school, many of them with a wad of cash in sitting in the bank, we thought it apropos to share some thoughts on how to encourage the youth in your life to use this opportunity to it's fullest.

Encouraging teenagers to work during the summer and save through a Roth IRA is a powerful strategy for building their financial future. This real-world experience instills a strong work ethic, fosters the understanding of the value of money, while leveraging the benefits of tax-free growth and compound interest. Starting them on this path early can make a significant difference in their long-term financial well-being, can set themselves up for a more secure and prosperous retirement, all while learning the value of hard work and responsibility.

"When we long for a life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." - Peter Marshall

In the world of investing the concept of volatility as a measure of risk is foolish. The entire investment world has been built around this concept and it’s ridiculous. Instead, the concept of anti-fragility as introduced by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his seminal work, Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder, holds profound importance for investors.

The meeting in general is a masterclass in business, investing and general advice to live a rich, abundant and happy life. Most importantly we get an update from Warren Buffett on how our company is performing. This year felt a little different, Warren Buffett (93 years old) was without his business partner of 60 years, Charlie Munger, who passed away in November at 99.9 years old.

The Pilot’s Log is Back! Prior to covid we thought it important to send out more frequent communication, and well it’s time to reignite that effort. To that end, we are happy to share the first entry of the revived Pilot's Log based on a follow up to our recent Q1 commentary.

To read why Costco shoppers are buying as much as $200 million dollars worth of gold per month....read on.

Ensuring the resilience of our hard-earned savings demands a diversified portfolio that includes commodities, particularly oil or gold. US investors have been woefully unprepared for inflation with a historically significant under allocation to commodities…not us.

We know founders just starting their companies and others who have built up their businesses over decades. Most everyone thinks about selling. Maybe not today, but one day in the future they’ll be ready to turn their business over to another and start their next chapter.

Perhaps this makes us odd, but we do a great deal of thinking and brainstorming away from the computer. Really away from anything business related.

As stewards of our clients’ wealth, we act as river guides for private opportunities to help clients make sound investment decisions with their capital. In this environment, it's especially important to be discerning.