#22 - Are You Asking The Right Questions?

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This week we discuss the future outlook on gold & dollar chain stores, and why you should start focusing on asking the right questions in our ever-changing world.

Market Recap

• Gold Futures Rise for Potential Rate Cuts & Geopolitical Risks

  • Goldman Sachs analysts recommend investors "go for gold" due to its strong performance and potential for further gains in the near term with a 2025 target of $2,700 per ounce.

  • The anticipation of Federal Reserve rate cuts is expected to further boost gold prices. This policy shift is seen as a supportive factor for gold as it reduces the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset.

  • Central banks have increased their gold purchases, with record buying in the first quarter of 2024. This trend is contributing to the rising demand and price of gold, reinforcing its status as a safe-haven asset​

• September Market Slump Looms

  • September has historically been a challenging month for U.S. stocks, with major indices like the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq historically performing poorly during this time.

  • Despite a strong August fueled by positive economic reports, there are concerns about market swings, especially following mixed signals from major companies like Nvidia.

  • The looming U.S. presidential election, potential geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and other global uncertainties add to the market's vulnerability. Investors should expect potential volatility in the months ahead.

• Dollar Stores Share Value Gets Hit Hard

  • Dollar General ($DG) stock dropped nearly 33% after the company lowered its full-year sales and earnings outlook. For its fiscal second quarter, revenue rose 4% to $10.2 billion, but same-store sales only increased by 0.5%, with a 20% decline in earnings per share to $1.70. Despite trading at a five-year low, the stock's recovery will depend on improving economic conditions and better same-store sales growth.

  • Dollar Tree ($DLTR) shares dropped over 15% after the company cut its full-year forecast, citing pressures on middle-income and higher-income customers. The retailer now expects full-year net sales between $30.6 billion and $30.9 billion.

  • Pre-COVID there was many articles about how these discount chains stifle local competition and limit poor communities’ access to healthy food. Political leaders seem to agree on one thing… pushing back on processed foods and pushing on grocery prices so that everyone has access to fresh produce. Will be interesting to see how these movements could continue to hit dollar store growth.

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Freedom Fund Portfolio

• Friday Freedom Fund Purchase:

  • 10 shares of $EVLV

  • .401 slice of $AXP

  • 1 share of $SCHB

• Portfolio News

  • $EVLV

    • Prince William County Public Schools (Virginia) started using Evolve detection systems last year. Now, weapon detectors are being expanded to be used at some high school sporting events. See article & news recap here.

    • Chicago charter school network introduces high-tech visitor ID, weapons detection systems.

    • In the wake of the shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County, Georgia this week it only makes sense to protect our schools and children from potential gun & weapon violence threats. Look for more school districts to implement the technology over the next couple of years.

  • $AXP - American Express in talks to develop new headquarters tower at 2 World Trade Center.

Freedom Fund Background: I created the Freedom Fund as a public brokerage account back in October of 2022 to share that anyone with a social security # and a bank account can begin their investing journey by investing a couple hundred dollars a week. Every week and month I post on X (@GrahamInvesting) public updates about the purchases, exits, dividends, and growth of the fund if you want to follow in real time. The biggest obstacle people have to investing is just getting started so I decided to start a new account at $0 to start from nothing with you.

Quote of The Week

This quote by Lévi-Strauss captures an important step in the nature of wisdom and intellectual growth. By pondering and asking the right questions and not always assuming the answer you can get ahead further in life. Below is a list of thoughts I have in our modern era about why we should focus more on asking meaningful questions than always assuming you have the answer:

• In an ever-changing world, holding onto rigid answers can lead to stagnation. When individuals remain adaptable by continually refining their understanding of the world it forces us to think with open-mindedness.

• Once you realize that many issues in life have no definitive answers the world begins to open up to you. Asking questions shows humility, and shows that the world is filled with complexity and that no one person has all the answers. Don’t be afraid to ask the “dumb” question. Many times egos and insecurities hold people and cultures back from developing.

• Focus on the journey not the destination. Answers often signify an end, conclusion, and finality. Asking the right questions keeps the journey of learning alive. It’s through thoughtful questioning that new insights and perspectives can be created.

By posing the right questions people embrace uncertainty, stay curious, and think more critically. Focus on the process of discovery. Help yourself and others navigate the complexities of life and knowledge. Avoid offering fixed answers for everything. Always keep the door open for deeper understanding and better solutions.

The purpose of this newsletter is to encourage you to start and stay consistent with your personal, professional, and financial journey.

Thanks for investing your time reading this.

-Graham (@GrahamInvesting)

Disclaimer: Graham’s Gazette provides information and resources related to investing, financial topics, and personal growth for educational and entertainment purposes only. The content presented is not intended to be construed as financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions. Graham’s Gazette and its creators do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided nor do they guarantee any specific results from such use of information.