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“Too big to fail” distorts the very principles on which capitalism rests by privatizing profits and socializing losses. It’s time to confront the problem.

Interest rates are still rising, as the Federal Reserve boosted short-term rates by 75 basis points last month, to try to stem the growth of inflation. There are some signs that it may be working. The 30-year mortgage rate actually saw a couple of decreases early last week, but nudged a bit higher on Friday, to a 5.94% average national rate. And gas prices have declined nationwide to $4.66 per gallon, from $4.68 this time last week. I know that’s not much, but, hey, we’ll take what we can get!

In a tough week for markets, Explorer stocks held their own. Banco Santander (SAN) shares are up 50% so far in 2025, significantly outperforming bank and European indexes. Luckin Coffee (LKNCY) was up 10% this week and Sea Limited (SE) shares have risen 25% rise so far this year. All our dominating stocks held firm this week.

It was interesting to be in Tokyo and meeting for lunch today with a former Japan Ministry of Finance official as new tariffs of 24% on Japan were announced.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached new records on Wednesday, reversing Tuesday’s declines. President Trump’s tax-and-spending bill squeaked through the Senate and is now at the heart of a battle in the House. This is hopefully settled today, and a setback would have an impact on the stock market.

Luckin Coffee’s (LKNCY) revenue in China has already surpassed Starbucks in China. This week, it brought the battle to America as its first two U.S. locations opened in New York. This may be just a public relations gambit.

Cree Inc. (CREE) is a leader in the production of light emitting diodes.

WHAT TO DO NOW: The evidence has improved of late, though we haven’t seen many decisive green lights from our indicators. Still, with so much cash, we’ll dip a couple of toes in tonight and then follow up … if the good vibes continue. Tonight, we’ll add half-sized positions (5% of the account) in Eli Lilly (LLY) and JFrog (FROG), leaving us with a still-big 55% cash hoard. Details below.

As markets weigh tariff and trade risks, we will continue our efforts to protect assets through portfolio rebalancing while remaining alert to trading opportunities. Our diversified and global Explorer stocks are doing well.

International investors will be important at the margin since they account for 18% of U.S. stock ownership.

The retreat of the U.S. dollar, down 10% in the last six months, and the emerging premium for U.S. bond markets is leading to higher yields (interest rates).

I recently noticed a few popular stocks such as MicroStrategy (MSTR) offering exposure to leveraged Bitcoin which to me seems like excessive risk and a sign of potential trouble.

This is like pouring gasoline on a roaring fire. It reminds me of a quote from Edward Chancellor’s book The Price of Time, which offered this gem:

“……as a rule, panics do not destroy capital; they merely reveal the extent to which it has previously been destroyed by [the taking on of excessive leverage in good times].”

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Cabot Income Advisor. It is my pleasure to share investment ideas that can provide you with a high income in today’s low interest rate world.
In this issue I highlight three stocks that are great buying opportunities right now for income investors. The stocks are chosen for their high yields, ability to generate attractive call premiums and the likelihood of capital appreciation over time.


While the market indexes have rebounded strongly from the March lows, many individual industries and stocks are still dirt cheap and high yielding, In fact, this is the best market in over a decade in which to find high yields in quality stocks.


Of course, the market is still dangerous and many high yielding stocks are in a precarious financial condition. Many will have to cut the dividend and the price will likely fall. While quality high yields are out there, stocks must be chosen wisely.


These three stocks are a great way to lock in high income and start to build your high income portfolio. Now is the time to embark on your journey to higher income and a more rewarding financial future. I look forward to being your trusted partner.

It’s been a rough couple months for growth stocks. But the most beaten-down small-cap stocks could be big money makers when the selling ends.

This week’s volatility has been a bit unnerving but below the drama some good things are happening. The majority of our stocks finished the week higher and Sea Limited (SE) hit an all-time high after reporting another great quarter, confirming our view that this
could be an enduring growth story. No surprise that our emerging market timer is mixed, in a very modest uptrend but still below 50- and 200-day moving averages

Today, we have a new recommendation for you as we follow Warren Buffett to a financial technology play in Brazil

It has felt like a horrible week, but the reality is that, despite both the Nasdaq and the Dow both falling into correction territory, all but two of our stocks have held above their previous lows.

The markets continue to be challenging to say the least, with the S&P 500 off 18% so far this year, but like everyone I see some amazing companies posting strong numbers being pulled down over a blend of macro issues. These range from inflation and interest rates to the slowdown in China and conflict in Ukraine. Current Explorer recommendations still managed to outperform the market, with some up and most holding their ground in the past week. SQM (SQM) of Chile reported first-quarter profits up 10X over 2021.

The MSCI Emerging Market (EM) basket of 25 emerging market countries pulled back 15% in dollar terms, the Japan market was down 12%, and China’s Shanghai Composite index got clobbered, falling 25%. India ended the year down only 4.2% thanks to pro-business economic policies and an infrastructure boom.