Thoughts about the markets, automated trading algorithms, artificial intelligence, and lots of other stuff

  • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – October 19th, 2025

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  • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – October 12th, 2025

    Here are some of the posts that caught my eye recently. Hope you find something interesting.

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    • The Rise of Stablecoins

      A few months ago, I wrote about how cryptocurrency was entering the mainstream.

      To recap that piece: I’ve historically been skeptical and resistant about crypto on several fronts. Still, I’ve recognized that blockchain and decentralized finance are here to stay.

      One of my biggest arguments against crypto is that governments have fiercely protected their right to print money and tax it. Now, even governments are warming up to crypto. Additionally, regulators are getting on board. Big banks and established industries are creating infrastructure. As the momentum builds, the push toward crypto seems unavoidable.

      New giants were — and are —forming. Coinbase recently joined the S&P 500. Circle just had a wildly successful IPO. The performance of stocks like these also hints at a growing market appetite for crypto-focused businesses.

      Some of this momentum has been fueled by policy shifts during the Trump presidency and his administration’s openness to the space. Yet even with that tailwind, I believe there are still significant barriers to the adoption of most cryptocurrencies—barriers that stablecoins, in particular, are designed to address.

      The Stablecoin Surge

      Since that article, tremendous growth continues. And if you haven’t paid attention to stablecoins yet, it’s time to start paying attention.

      What is a Stablecoin?

      Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged to a traditional currency like the US dollar (e.g., 1 stablecoin = $1 USD). Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which can swing wildly in price, stablecoins aim for predictability.

      Think of stablecoins as the digital equivalent of cash — useful for transactions, storing value, and moving money across borders without the volatility of traditional cryptocurrencies.

      via visualcapitalist

      The stablecoin market has seen a 10X increase in just five years. In fact, their transfer volume is now more than both Visa and Mastercard.

      They’ve quickly grown from a niche asset to one of the fastest-growing market segments.

      Citi projects that the market will grow 6.7X to 14.2X in the next 5 years. Their justification is based on three main pillars.

      • the reallocation of US cash and deposits into digital tokens,
      • the substitution of international short-term liquidity tools with stablecoins,
      • and the growing role of stablecoins as the backbone of cryptocurrency adoption (in a growing ecosystem)

      It’s also worth noting that stablecoins have become a kind of “parking spot” for capital moving in and out of crypto trades. As smart contracts have enabled holders to earn yield by lending, providing liquidity, or farming rewards, stablecoins’ appeal has only grown.

      A Glimpse of Crypto’s Future

      It’s easy to imagine a future of money built on digital tokens. Stablecoins appear to be the first step toward that future.

      Just like everything else … it’s happening faster than you think.

      A few weeks ago, we took a look at the state of the US dollar.

      This week, visualcapitalist released a graphic looking the value of stablecoins in relation to US cash in circulation.

      via visualcapitalist

      Comparing the market value of stablecoins to the amount of U.S. currency in circulation (bills and coins) shows that stablecoins now make up about 11% of that total. That’s a remarkable jump in just five years.

      The industry keeps innovating, and stablecoins are increasingly becoming part of traditional finance. I expect this trend to grow faster soon.

      What’s your opinion on how quickly stablecoins might transform the monetary landscape?

    • Revisiting One of my Favorite Parables: “The Nail in the Fence”

      Have you ever said something in anger that you later regretted — only to find that your apology couldn’t erase the damage? In today’s high-pressure world, emotional wounds are more common than we realize.

      We are living in a period of heightened sensitivity to hurt feelings. Whether it’s politics, kids in school, or even in business … it’s clear that emotions and detection sensors are high.

      What do you think it means? Has something fundamental changed, or is it just the natural result of stress, and high expectations?

      Happy people tend to find reasons or ways to be happy. Frustrated people are good at finding the things that frustrate them. Meanwhile, people are naturally inclined to notice and avoid things that hurt them.

      Of course, a little conflict is normal (or even beneficial).  But, perhaps, the pendulum has swung too far?

      Let’s be clear, some people intend to hurt others. However, it doesn’t take “intent” to hurt someone’s feelings (or to have your feelings hurt).  Hurt feelings can arise from a simple disagreement, a fixed perspective, a careless remark, or even a look.

      Effective strategies can sometimes trigger conflict, too. Why? Because people generally prefer winning to losing. It reminds me of angry kids on a playground. As a result, minor outbursts are often dismissed or explained with excuses like, ‘I was angry,’ ‘I’m only human,’ or, ‘There’s no room for emotion in business.’ Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that we should strive to be better.

      Lessons From the Nail In The Fence Parable

      To drive the point home further, here is the story of “The Nail in a Fence.”  I share it every few years, but as we look to finish the year strong, and begin the new year even stronger, I think it’s worth revisiting.

      Nail In The Fence

      There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

      The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down.

      He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

      Finally, the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it; and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

      The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

      The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.”

      A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

      This story is a reminder to be mindful of cause and intent.  Hope it helps.

      How Technology Can Amplify (Not Replace) Our Humanity

      As a technology entrepreneur focused on amplified intelligence (which means making better decisions, taking smarter actions, and continually improving performance), I recognize that we’re not using technology to replace humans.  Instead, we’re automating activities that humans used to do – so that humans can focus on things more important and more in line with their unique abilities and tendencies.

      On the other hand, one of the main reasons for automation is to avoid certain tendencies that are baked into human nature – like these little outbursts.  I say that because, as much as the world has changed in the last several thousand years, human nature has remained stubbornly the same. 

      Making Best Practice Common Practice

      It’s hard enough to change yourself … so, it’s unrealistic to expect to radically change others.  Instead, if you want to increase the likelihood of certain actions, it makes sense to rely on technologies that are simple, reputable, consistent, and scalable to make your best intentions and best practices more common.  This is why I say that amplified intelligence has an automatic advantage … because it eliminates the fear, greed, and discretionary mistakes that humans naturally bring to a process.

      The Power (And Limits) of Forgiveness

      Inflicting pain on others is harmful — but holding on to anger can be just as damaging to ourselves.

      Feeling and stoking anger is like taking poison and hoping the other person suffers.  It isn’t efficient or practical.

      So, what about “Forgiving”? It doesn’t have to be synonymous with forgetting.

      Forgiving removes the valence (or charge) from a situation or memory. It serves you even more than it serves the person you’re forgiving.

      It only takes a moment to create an emotional trigger (think about how you felt when you saw a high school bully in the hallway).  It is simple, evolution and natural selection favored species that remembered and avoided danger.  It is in our DNA.  But avoidance isn’t always a great strategy … especially when it is blocking the attainment of something beneficial.

      Forgiveness is a way to disable or mute the emotional trigger (this is called “collapsing an anchor” in NLP). It’s also a choice to move forward.

      Forgiveness is also a release of “claim”.  When we are wronged, we expect an apology, retribution, restitution, or recognition.  And until we get it, we are stuck, waiting for it.  In a sense, forgiveness releases the stuck energy and makes it available for something else (hopefully, something better).

      Forgiveness changes the route and allows you to move forward.

      And I’ve found that good things happen more often when you are in motion.

      As you look ahead, ask yourself:Who or what do you need to forgive?

      Onwards!

    • The History of Government Shutdowns

      Introduction: The October 2025 Shutdown

      When Congress failed to agree on a last-minute deal on October 1, 2025, the United States faced its eleventh federal government shutdown — forcing hundreds of thousands of workers into furlough, halting essential services, and sending shockwaves through the nation.

      Though often discussed in the abstract, government shutdowns have tangible consequences — missed paychecks, shuttered programs, and an atmosphere of uncertainty for millions of Americans.

      What led to this impasse, and how does it compare to shutdowns of the past?

      This standoff is marked by familiar accusations of brinkmanship from both parties — Republicans advocating a ‘clean’ funding extension, while Democrats insist on safeguarding healthcare subsidies and advancing key priorities before any agreement is reached.

      The fallout and costs reach far beyond furloughed government workers. It also affects broader economic stability. and millions of Americans who rely on federal services.

      A Brief History of Federal Shutdowns

      This is the 11th shutdown in our history. However, before the 1980s, funding gaps typically did not affect government operations, as agencies assumed funding would eventually be approved.

      The most recent prior shutdown, in 2019, centered on funding for President Trump’s border wall with Mexico and dragged on for 34 days — setting the record for the longest shutdown in American history.

      While the duration of this shutdown remains uncertain, historical shutdowns offer important perspective.

      via voronoi

      Obviously, the duration of this one is unclear. It is likely it will end via a “continuing resolution” which has ended every shutdown since the 90s.

      As a whole, funding gaps have grown longer in recent shutdowns, so many are assuming this one will continue that trend.

      Although we hope that cooler heads will prevail, today’s sharply divided political climate makes a swift end to the shutdown unlikely.

      Is It Different This Time?

      According to The Hill, GOP senators thought they were close on Thursday to a bipartisan agreement that would have led to the end of the shutdown. On Friday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged his colleagues to resist the House-passed funding measure until Republicans made significant concessions on extending the health premium tax credits.

      It’s entirely possible that Trump will use this shutdown as further justification to cut agencies and fire federal employees. It’s also a potential tool to put pressure on Democrats to vote for the funding bill to pass.

      Regardless, as of today, Democrats are holding firm in their opposition, with Schumer arguing that 70% of Americans support the ACA premium tax credit.

      What’s at Stake?

      It’s an interesting time to be an American. Last week, we talked about the potential need to reimagine the American Dream: Although buying a home and raising a family has become more challenging, we simultaneously live in an era of unprecedented prosperity and opportunity.

      Despite these advantages, rates of unhappiness, loneliness, and distrust in institutions have been rising. This tension between abundance and discontent now defines the American experience. It’s a sobering reminder that material progress does not guarantee unity, shared purpose, or collective well-being.

      As Americans await a resolution, this stalemate serves as a reflection of deeper divisions within our society. Beyond deadlines and dollars, the shutdown raises a pressing question:

      What will it take for our leaders (and our nation) to move beyond gridlock and toward lasting unity?

      Onwards!

    • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – October 5th, 2025

      Here are some of the posts that caught my eye recently. Hope you find something interesting.

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    • Ritual & Meaning of Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement

      Thursday was Yom Kippur, which translates to “Day of Atonement” and is one of the High Holy Days in the Jewish religion. This year, as I sat in synagogue, I found myself reflecting on my own challenges deeply. While tradition calls for communal prayers and rituals, I realized how much these ancient practices are really about the individual journey to become better.

      The Persistant Challenges of Human Nature

      Ancient prayers can reveal timeless struggles.

      As part of the atonement process, participants read a list of sins (available here), apologize for those committed, and ask for forgiveness. I would encourage you to read that list and use it to think about your life and the impact you have on those around you. These issues are likely to be both timely and timeless. The list is thousands of years old, yet it’s still surprisingly relevant.

      As I went through the list, two things struck me. First, regardless of the changes in the world over time (technology, geopolitics, urbanization, mobility, etc.), human nature remains relatively unchanged (otherwise, the issues on the list would seem quaint or outdated). Second, despite all that has changed in the World, these issues remain important. That suggests that these issues are more important than most people realize.

      A Time for Reflection and Commitment

      Even if you have managed to stay on the right side of the Ten Commandments and haven’t killed or stolen … you have most likely been frivolous, stubborn, hurtful, dismissive, or judgmental (I know I have …).  It’s not just black and white or right and wrong … Frequency, intensity, and duration matter too.

      This past year has brought its share of challenges. Yet, Yom Kippur isn’t a time for self-pity or blame — it is a call to look inward with honesty, to reflect, and to commit anew to becoming our best selves.

      With that in mind, another prayer read on Yom Kippur is Unetaneh Tokef. This prayer paints a powerful image of judgment day, depicting the fate and destiny of every person — prompting deep introspection about our choices and actions.

      To set some context, the theme of the High Holy Days is a Divine decree being written about your Life … think about it as a yearly judgment day. Supposedly, on Rosh Hashana, three books are opened in Heaven – one for the thoroughly wicked, one for the thoroughly righteous, and one for those in-between. The thoroughly righteous are immediately inscribed clearly in the Book of Life. The thoroughly wicked are immediately inscribed clearly in the Book of Death. The fate of those in-between is postponed from Rosh Hashana until Yom Kippur, at which time those who are deserving are then inscribed in the Book of Life, those who are undeserving are then inscribed in the Book of Death.

      Below is a brief excerpt from the prayer that captures the spirit of the judgment each person faces. 

      Who will rest and who will wander, who will live in harmony and who will be harried, who will enjoy tranquillity and who will suffer, who will be impoverished and who will be enriched, who will be degraded and who will be exalted.

      On one hand, you can read that and pray for Divine intervention (or perhaps favor), or you can recognize that we each have a choice about who we want to be, how we show up, and what we make things mean. Your choices about these things have real power to create the experience and environment you will live in next year.

      Thoughts On Connection

      This year’s sermon focused on connection. In past years, the message often centered on being present in the moment — acting with intention and living in alignment with your values. This year was no different at its core, but the Rabbi approached it from a fresh angle. He compared one’s connection to God with the connections we nurture — or neglect — with a spouse, a sibling, or a child. His point was that it’s not enough to be present in the moment; we must also be present with each other. I appreciated that distinction and found myself wondering where I might be “phoning it in.” Living in alignment internally is only half the work … we need to practice that alignment outwardly, too.

      What Kintsugi Can Teach Us About Healing

      We can learn from many other cultures. For example, let’s look at  Kintsugi. It is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. This process highlights the object’s “scars” rather than concealing them. It is rooted in the philosophy that breakage and repair are part of an object’s history and can make it more beautiful and resilient. The artform can also serve as a metaphor for embracing flaws and past traumas as sources of strength and beauty.

      This concept is an excellent reminder as we unpack the “trauma” of shootings, culture wars, actual wars, and more. Progress isn’t always linear — every setback is a part of our story, and even our scars can be sources of wisdom and strength. As we heal, we should also strive to help heal the world around us. In the Jewish faith, that concept is called Tikkun Olam. 

      Transformation Is Closer Than You Think

      One of the themes of Yom Kippur is that you’re only one good deed from tipping the scale towards good for yourself and others. As you recognize and repent for your sins, it’s also important to appreciate the good you did (and do) as well. 

      As I look at my year, atone, and look forward, I’m reminded of two definitions I heard recently. 

      One is that “intelligence” can be defined as the ability to get or move towards what you want … and the second is that “learning” is the ability to get a better result in the same situation.

      I choose to look at going forward as a chance to clear the slate and Be and Do better … personally, professionally, in the business, and in relationships. I know that there’s lots of room for improvement, opportunities for growth, and the ability to simply put the past behind me and focus on a better future.

      Initially, I looked at Capitalogix as a technology company that built trading and fund management capabilities. Over time, I realized that the team, our tools, and the things we do backstage are more valuable than the front-stage results that we produce. We can leverage these to amplify intelligence in virtually any industry.

      The future is going to be about making better decisions, taking better actions, and continually improving performance. That won’t really change. Almost everything else will. So, the business is really about the things that don’t change.

      I think this is probably true in life as well. Many parts of you change … but the part of you that doesn’t is really the core of who you are.

      Sprinting Towards What You Want

      With roughly 80 days left in the year, it’s easy to get caught up in frustrations over politics or inflation, blaming outside forces for unmet goals. Yet, these remaining days are also a unique opportunity—a perfect time to sprint toward positive changes and finish the year strong.

      There is plenty of time to make this your best year yet. What can you do? What will you do?

      What could you do to make the life of someone around you better? Likewise, how can you let others know you’re thankful for them?

      To reference a book by Ben Hardy and Dan Sullivan, transformational change is often easier than incremental change (because you don’t have to drag the past forward).

      So, what can you do that would trigger 10X results?   More importantly … Will you do it?

      I hope you all experience growth in your mental state, your relationships, and your businesses.  As you approach year’s end, remember you’re not just starting fresh – but integrating the “gold” from repaired experiences.

      Best wishes for a great day and an even better year!

    • The State of the American Dream: Average Income vs. Average Cost of Living Across The US

      Is the American Dream still within reach for the average American today? For many Millennialsand Gen Z, it feels farther out of reach than ever. 

      In the 20th century, the American Dream centered on owning a home, securing a good job, and maintaining financial stability. But does that dream still match today’s financial realities? Recent maps comparing state incomes and living costs reveal just how far many Americans are from achieving financial comfort.

      via visualcapitalist

      The average full-time salary for all adults as of Q2 2025 is approximately $62K. Predictably, that figure rises in higher-cost metropolitan areas and dips in rural regions, with Washington, D.C., standing out as a notable high point.

      However, income alone reveals little about the actual quality of life or whether someone can live ‘comfortably’. That’s why Visual Capitalist looked at how well individual needs are met across America using the classic 50/30/20 rule — allocating 50% of income to essentials,30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to saving or investing.

      via visualcapitalist

      In many states, single earners face a sizable gap between median pay and what’s needed for comfort. For families, the math becomes even more challenging.

      via visualcapitalist

      For more context, see:

      Clearly, being “middle class” doesn’t mean being “comfortable” in today’s economy. Households in the five most expensive states need nearly twice the average incomejust to meet basic comfort levels. Unsurprisingly, housing costs are a major part of this gap.

      It raises important questions: How have these disparities changed since the 1980s or ’90s? Have wage increases failed to keep up with the rising costs of essentials, even as technology and living standards have advanced?

      These charts also point to practical strategies. Decades ago, moving to a big city often meant earning higher wages and finding better opportunities. Today, for many workers, the opposite might be true: pursuing remote-friendly roles and relocating to more affordable areas can lead to a better standard of living. Likewise, developing skills in tech-related or future-proof fields can also give workers more leverage.

      Ultimately, the data emphasizes the growing significance of location, flexibility, and early career choices — while highlighting a larger challenge: ensuring that economic growth and productivity gains turn into real purchasing power.

      While innovation and economic growth have transformed our lives, they haven’t yet led to true financial security for the average American. To make the American Dream more accessible again, we need to address the widening gap between paychecks and the cost of living — even as our economy continues to expand. Recognizing this gap is the first step toward closing it.

      The challenge: how do we turn today’s progress into tomorrow’s prosperity?

      Onwards.

    • Here Are Some Links For Your Weekly Reading – September 28th, 2025

      Here are some of the posts that caught my eye recently. Hope you find something interesting.

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    • A Look at the American Dollar Compared to Global Currencies

      In 2025, the U.S. Dollar has experienced its biggest decline in over twenty years. A drop of more than 10% in a primary global currency is always significant — and this decrease is sending shockwaves through markets, policy discussions, and consumers’ budgets. But what’s truly driving this change, and what does it mean for you?

      While substantial, the Dollar’s decline is just one of several significant moves among major currencies. For a broader perspective, here is a chart highlighting key global currency trends this year.

      via voronoi

      The Brazilian Real is up 15.4% YTD, while the Swiss Franc, the Euro, and the Mexican Peso have each gained more than 10% this year.

      Nevertheless, the U.S. Dollar continues to assert its dominance as the world’s primary reserve currency, a status it has maintained since the 1944 Bretton Woods Agreement. This means it is the main currency held by central banks to support international transactions and reduce exchange rate risk. Additionally, it remains the global benchmark against which other currencies are measured.

      So, why is the U.S. Dollar down, and why does it matter?

      View Full Image via visualcapitalist

      A strong currency benefits consumers by making imports more affordable and helping to keep inflation under control. A weaker currency, on the other hand, can be a tailwind for exporters by lowering the global price of their goods, but it also drives up import costs and can stoke inflationary pressures.

      The Dollar’s movement reflects not only U.S. conditions but also global ones. As the world’s reserve currency, it responds more directly to worldwide economic forces than most others. This year, soft U.S. GDP projections, high inflation, and the Fed’s shift toward lower interest rates have all contributed to downward pressure on the dollar. But that’s not the whole story. 

      Of course, no single factor explains the market. The Dollar’s decline isn’t a death knell, just as a surge wouldn’t be proof of perfect health. It’s one signal among many in a complex economic picture.

      When discussing negative indicators, it’s just as important to highlight the positive ones — including America’s historical resiliency. While headlines often focus on the dollar’s decline, history shows it has weathered many challenges and thus remains the world’s dominant reserve currency.

      For investors and consumers, the lesson is: stay informed, understand the broader economic context, and avoid overreacting to short-term swings. Currency markets move in cycles, and the dollar’s influence won’t disappear overnight.

      ‘Intentional patience’ often outperforms impulsive action, in trading and in business. By tracking market trends, understanding the underlying factors, and recognizing how currency shifts impact trade, prices, and investments, you can respond strategically rather than reactively to the news cycle.