Just six months ago, The Economist ran a striking cover: a roll of $100 bills shaped like a rocket, blasting into space under the headline, “The Envy of the World.” It was mid-October. The mid-year growth scare had faded after a surprise 50-basis-point rate cut from the Fed. Markets surged—seemingly hitting new all-time highs by the day.

In 2016 I bought a very expensive Santa suit. My wife wasn't happy about it - because it was so expensive. But I knew it would be worth it. I bought it to dress up for my eldest son on Christmas day.

Inflation is cooling, yet the cost of living remains high. Annual inflation is down to about 2% yet cost of living is up about 22% since January 2020 - I won't get into some of the individual categories and their price rise. What we've also seen over the last two years is the strengthening of the major corporate and their share price.

I'm a glass half full kinda guy - I'd say I'm an optimist - I see learnings, not failure. And I try and instil this into my children. To learn from the past and grow into the future. How am I going? I have no idea. I guess I'll find out in the years ahead.

Donald Trump is the 47th US president. The US stock market (S&P 500) crossed 6,000 for the first time earlier this week. And Bitcoin (BTC) also hit a new All Time High (ATH), hitting US$91, 343 today. I probably should not have sold my BTC - argh!

A lot can happen in one year, and a lot can be forgotten after one year. The US stock market is up 26.41% YTD, and 35.91% over the last 12 months. Without context and perspective, it's easy to get caught up in all that is happening right now. They say investors' have a 3 year time horizon, last year, this year, and next year.