Jon’s Newsletter

Jon's Newsletter covers business, technology, and investing, focusing on company mergers, AI advancements, market trends, investing strategies, and notable leadership and innovation stories. It includes recurring features like 'Ticker Take,' providing weekly insight into stock markets and investment opportunities.

Business Mergers Technology Advancements AI Developments Investment Strategies Market Trends Leadership in Business Historical Business Successes

The hottest Substack posts of Jon’s Newsletter

And their main takeaways

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

119 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Investing Economic Trends Interest Rates
  1. The stock market is experiencing a decline due to concerns about weaker growth in China and delays in new technologies from major companies like Nvidia. Investors are getting nervous, leading to a selloff.
  2. Reports of disappointing job numbers in the U.S. have made investors worried about the economy, especially with the Federal Reserve possibly cutting interest rates into a recession rather than a soft landing.
  3. Despite the current market downturn, historical data suggests that bull markets can last longer than many think. This bull market has lasted about 22 months so far, which is still shorter than average.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

99 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Market Trends Economic Analysis Bonds
  1. Market corrections are normal and can be healthy for long-term growth. It's important to own a mix of investments and stay calm during downturns.
  2. After a drop in the stock market, like with the S&P 500, there's often a bounce back, with strong average returns in the months that follow.
  3. Media companies are struggling with changes in viewer habits, which may lead to consolidations in the industry. This means fewer players but potentially stronger companies in the long run.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

119 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Cryptocurrency Economic Trends Market Analysis
  1. Investing in the stock market during election years is usually a good idea, as many years have shown positive returns regardless of who wins.
  2. Mark Cuban suggested that a Trump presidency could benefit Bitcoin and crypto businesses, mentioning that lower tax rates and business-friendly regulations could boost prices.
  3. Amazon's Prime program remains very popular, with many members sticking around for years, which supports the company’s strong sales during events like Prime Day.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

199 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Economic Trends Market Strategies
  1. Nvidia's stock is seen as highly valued and risky by some investors. They believe more affordable competitors are rising, and the AI chip market isn't as profitable as thought.
  2. The stock market is split; while tech stocks soar, many other sectors seem stagnant. It's suggested to balance your portfolio by investing in more stable sectors like industrials and healthcare.
  3. Investing in Japan is gaining attention due to favorable economic changes and companies aiming to boost their values. This could provide good opportunities for diversification.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

159 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Billionaires Dividends Economic Trends
  1. AI is really changing the game for billionaires, with many seeing huge increases in their wealth this year. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, has gained $65 billion thanks to this trend.
  2. Investors are seeing big changes in the stock market due to AI. Companies tied to AI are outperforming others significantly, which hasn't been seen since the dot-com boom.
  3. Dividends are an important part of investing, and there are companies that have been paying them for over 100 years. These can be good long-term investments since they show a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

119 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Banking Economy Corporate Earnings
  1. Marko Kolanovic's bearish predictions about the stock market didn't happen, leading to his departure from JP Morgan. In a strong market, being negative can be isolating.
  2. Tesla's stocks have been rising quickly due to excitement around AI and self-driving cars, but some analysts warn that the stock may be overrated at this point.
  3. Costco is raising its membership fees for the first time in seven years, which could lead to an increase in their profits. Many analysts continue to view Costco as a strong investment option.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

179 implied HN points • 09 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Market Trends Economic Analysis Financial News
  1. Coffee stocks might help protect against inflation, according to investor Bob Iaccino. He believes that investing in commodities like coffee is a smart move right now.
  2. Tesla has divided opinions among investors and analysts, making it a complicated stock to assess. While some see great potential in Tesla's future, many analysts remain cautious.
  3. Nvidia's rapid rise in market value highlights the growing importance of AI technology. Analysts suggest sticking with major players like Nvidia and AMD as they are likely to keep gaining traction.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

59 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
💰 Finance Investing Markets Economics Stocks Cryptocurrency
  1. Tech stocks have faced some tough times lately, with a drop in the NASDAQ 100. Investors are cautious and waiting to see how major companies perform in their earnings reports.
  2. During election years, financial and tech stocks typically do well, showing good returns. This trend is backed by past market behaviors where these sectors get investor attention.
  3. Investing in copper appears shaky right now due to issues in China’s property market, but experts still believe in its long-term potential, especially linked to renewable energy needs.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

179 implied HN points • 26 May 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Market Trends Economic Analysis Corporate Finance
  1. Companies with high profit margins are doing really well. For example, Nvidia has a gross profit margin of 78%, which is impressive compared to others like Amazon and Apple.
  2. There are good opportunities in the bond market now. After a long time, stocks aren't the only option for investors looking for decent returns.
  3. Amazon is expected to overtake Walmart in sales next year. With Amazon's growth in cloud services, it's on track for $711 billion in revenue, compared to Walmart's $703 billion.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

139 implied HN points • 11 May 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Market Trends Financial Analysis
  1. Growth is good, but focus on steady companies. Investing in companies like Mastercard and Waste Management can be safer than in more volatile sectors like tech.
  2. Look for quality stocks with strong finances. Companies that have good balance sheets and are undervalued are better bets for stability and growth.
  3. Beware of concentration in one stock. It's smart to diversify your portfolio; don't let one winning stock take up too much space.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

119 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Economics Insurance Cryptocurrency
  1. Investing in utilities could be a smart move as demand for power grows due to the rise of AI and data centers.
  2. The stock market has shown strong recent performance, with predictions of further gains this year based on solid earnings and market momentum.
  3. There's a noticeable trend in retail investors participating in meme stocks, indicating a lasting shift in how a generation approaches investing in the stock market.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

79 implied HN points • 16 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Economic Trends Financial Analysis Market Strategies
  1. Broadcom's stock has seen a significant increase, driven by high demand for its AI products, and investors are optimistic about its future.
  2. Experts, including AI leaders, warn that tech companies need to invest more in AI safety as competition grows, emphasizing the potential risks if AI surpasses human intelligence.
  3. The market for obesity drugs is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with major companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly leading the way, indicating a strong investment opportunity.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

19 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Economics Financial News Market Analysis
  1. Stocks linked to housing and utilities might do well as interest rates drop. Investors are looking at companies like Lennar and Home Depot.
  2. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has recently bought shares in Ulta Beauty and Heico Corp, while also reducing its stake in Apple.
  3. Mars is buying Kellanova, which could change the snack food market by creating a stronger competitor to companies like Pepsi and Hershey.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

119 implied HN points • 05 May 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Earnings Dividends Bonds
  1. Selling stocks in May may not be the best strategy, as historical data shows it only works about a quarter of the time since 2008.
  2. The current stock market is looking healthier, with positive earnings and potential interest rate cuts, which might lead to steady gains this year.
  3. Investors are keeping an eye on dividend stocks and marijuana stocks, as both sectors show potential for growth and steady income.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

99 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Market Trends ETFs
  1. Tesla's stock is mainly for those who believe in its future of self-driving cars, rather than just traditional vehicles. If you don't think cars will be autonomous in the future, you might want to skip investing in Tesla.
  2. Tech companies are expected to see significant earnings growth over the next five years. Some of the highest expected growth comes from companies like Micron and AMD, which currently have low earnings but high potential.
  3. Alphabet recently introduced a dividend, which is new for a company that typically reinvests its profits. This may attract more investors looking for immediate returns, similar to what Apple and Meta have done.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

59 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Market Analysis Dividends Economic Trends
  1. The stock market often rises after hitting record highs, so there's less to worry about than some investors think. History shows the S&P usually has a positive return in the year after an all-time high.
  2. Many major companies are currently valued below their usual 5-year averages, meaning there might be good buying opportunities. It's worth looking at stocks like Amazon and JP Morgan as potential investments.
  3. Investing in dividend stocks is still important, but many options are becoming less attractive compared to bonds. Focusing on companies with lower dividend payout ratios can help mitigate risk.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

99 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Economic Trends Financial Analysis
  1. Tesla's future might rely heavily on robotaxis, which could change how we think about car ownership. Instead of selling cars, companies may focus on self-driving vehicles that people can use for convenience.
  2. Nvidia's stock has surged due to its strong position in AI chips, with many analysts still optimistic about its future growth. Most analysts recommend buying Nvidia, suggesting there could be more gains ahead.
  3. Historically, after a strong first quarter in the stock market, gains often continue through the rest of the year. Companies with low valuations and those focused on dividend growth are worth keeping an eye on.

The Nvidia economy and the benefits of toilet paper.

119 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Investment Strategies Economic Trends Market Analysis Business Models
  1. Nvidia is rising fast in the market and could soon be worth more than Apple. Experts believe its growth is different from the tech bubble of the past.
  2. During election years, the stock market often has ups and downs, but usually rallies in the second half. Historical trends show that certain sectors perform better depending on who wins the election.
  3. Investors should look for companies with strong 'moats' that protect them from risks. Essential products like toothpaste and toilet paper are always in demand, making companies like Procter & Gamble good choices.

Stock Talk - A Newsletter About Investing

99 implied HN points • 29 Mar 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Economic Trends Financial Analysis
  1. After a strong first quarter, stock market gains often slow down or even decline in the second quarter. History shows the market can be vulnerable after big early gains.
  2. Slow and steady rate cuts from the Federal Reserve can be good for stocks. A gradual approach usually leads to bigger gains compared to quick cuts.
  3. Asset-light businesses, like franchises or companies with good credit terms, can grow without needing heavy investments. These businesses can be valuable for long-term investors.

Stock Talk - a newsletter on investing.

79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Dividends Market Trends Wealth Management
  1. When you buy a stock, write down three reasons for your purchase and a price target. If the stock reaches that target, check if those reasons still make sense for you.
  2. Dividends can significantly boost your overall returns, so consider stocks that provide steady dividends, as they can make a big difference over time.
  3. Look for dividend stocks that are at bargain prices and offer good growth potential, as they're often undervalued and can provide good yields.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

59 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Crypto Stocks Economic Trends
  1. Investors are advised to stay calm during challenging times. Historical data shows that the stock market often rebounds after geopolitical issues arise.
  2. Bitcoin's next steps may be influenced more by new ETF trends than by traditional events like the halving. Experts believe institutional money could drive significant growth.
  3. Gold has outperformed stocks in about one-third of the last 40 years. However, generally, stocks have offered better returns over that same period.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

59 implied HN points • 13 Apr 24
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Economics Market Analysis Corporate Finance
  1. Market corrections can happen quickly, but historically, the S&P 500 often recovers most losses in just a few months. It's usually better for long-term investors to hold on rather than sell during downturns.
  2. Apple is working to integrate AI into its products, aiming to boost sales, especially in its Mac line. However, the overall impact might not be enough to offset current weaknesses in iPhone sales.
  3. Several tech companies are expected to see significant sales growth in the coming years. Nvidia, Micron, and Shopify are leading the way, showing that tech is still a strong sector for investment.

Lessons learned from Ford's assembly line

119 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Innovation Manufacturing Economics Labor History
  1. Ford's assembly line made car production much faster, cutting down assembly time from 12 hours to just 90 minutes. This allowed Ford to produce cars more efficiently.
  2. By dropping the price of the Model T from $850 to under $300, Ford made cars affordable for many more people. This helped him sell over 15 million Model Ts by 1927.
  3. Henry Ford also raised workers' wages to $5 a day, which was double the average wage. This not only reduced turnover but also allowed workers to buy the cars they made.

Stock Talk

79 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💰 Finance Stocks Market Trends Investment E-commerce Cryptocurrency
  1. Stocks are on the rise, and analysts are adjusting their forecasts upward for the S&P 500. Staying invested long-term is advised, as it seems there’s still room for growth.
  2. If the S&P 500 performs well in January and February, historical data shows it usually continues to do well for the rest of the year. This makes the start of 2024 look promising.
  3. Amazon’s clothing sales are expected to grow significantly, potentially reaching $100 billion. This shows Amazon is successfully expanding in the fashion market, which usually has higher profit margins.

Stock Talk - A Newsletter About Investing

59 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Economic Analysis Dividends
  1. Traders are worried about the stock market because they expected the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates soon. However, some experts believe the economy is stable enough for stocks to grow without rate cuts.
  2. Some major tech stocks, known as the 'Magnificent 7', are currently valued lower compared to their past. This suggests they might be a good buy compared to their earnings.
  3. Many companies are likely to increase their dividends significantly in the next few years. Investors might want to look at these dividend-growers for better returns.

Would Apple buy Disney?

279 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
💼 Business Mergers Valuation Market Trends Corporate strategy
  1. There are talks about a possible merger between Apple and Disney because they could create more value together than apart. Both companies have strong content and distribution networks that could complement each other well.
  2. Disney is currently facing challenges, including job cuts and a shift to digital streaming. CEO Bob Iger is dealing with a lot of changes and questions about the company’s future direction.
  3. If Apple were to buy Disney, it might be a big win for both. Analysts think that it could increase value for Apple shareholders significantly, making it a potentially worthwhile investment.

The ChatGPT dinner that changed everything for Bill Gates.

239 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Software Development Innovation Tech industry Future Trends
  1. Bill Gates was really impressed by a demo of OpenAI's technology, calling it stunning. He believes we are entering a new era of AI that is as significant as the early Internet.
  2. Gates is now more involved with Microsoft’s AI projects, even though he stepped back from day-to-day roles in the company years ago. He is helping to guide the direction of AI innovations.
  3. Gates compared the recent demo to a groundbreaking experience he had in the 1980s with a new computer interface. He sees the current advancements in AI as a huge step forward for technology, much like those early developments.

Sam Altman is back at OpenAI.

99 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Corporate Governance Startup Culture Leadership Changes
  1. Sam Altman has returned as CEO of OpenAI after being ousted last week. This decision came quickly after strong support from OpenAI's employees and investors.
  2. The board of directors at OpenAI is being reshaped, with new members bringing different experiences. This change aims to improve stability and governance for the company.
  3. Microsoft has shown strong support for Altman's return, highlighting the importance of his leadership and the need for effective management in the rapidly growing AI sector.

How much will the "magnificent seven" grow?

159 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
💼 Business Stock Analysis Market Trends Tech industry Investment
  1. Tesla is expected to see amazing growth, with revenue projected to double over the next five years as they aim for 5 million vehicle sales annually.
  2. Nvidia is riding the AI wave and is estimated to grow its revenue significantly, nearing $93 billion in five years.
  3. Amazon is set for a big boost too, with projections of reaching almost $1 trillion in revenue, making it the biggest revenue-generating business in America.

$10,000 investments that are now worth $1 million

139 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Market Trends Wealth Management Financial Education
  1. Investing $10,000 in certain companies can turn into $1 million over time. It takes many years to see such high returns, sometimes even decades.
  2. Companies like Nvidia and Tesla have shown impressive growth since 2013, making them good examples of successful investments.
  3. Investments in well-known brands like Apple, Amazon, and Starbucks over the long term can also yield significant profits. This highlights the importance of patience in investing.

We need to talk about Nvidia.

199 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
💼 Business Investing Stocks Technology Startups Market Trends
  1. Nvidia has become a leader in AI hardware because their chips are powerful and in high demand. This change began when they opened up to the AI community and built partnerships with big companies.
  2. Microsoft's investment in OpenAI and the success of ChatGPT have boosted interest in Nvidia's stock. More companies are now investing in AI, which also helps Nvidia's sales.
  3. Despite past challenges and some competition, many analysts believe Nvidia is well-positioned for future growth in the AI market. Their strong reputation and market share give them an advantage.

Stock Talk

39 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Stocks Economic Analysis Wealth Management
  1. Berkshire Hathaway has $167.6 billion in cash but is finding it hard to make deals because prices are high. Higher interest rates are easing some buying pressure though.
  2. Intuitive Machines recently had a successful moon landing, causing its stock to go up. Analysts think it might rise even more as it finds its footing in the market.
  3. Nvidia is doing really well, and analysts believe Microsoft and Apple could reach a combined market cap of $4 trillion soon, due to their strong focus on AI.

What 10 well-known investors are thinking about in 2023.

199 implied HN points • 08 Jan 23
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Billionaires Economic Trends Market Analysis
  1. Many famous investors are worried about the current economy. They believe inflation is a big concern and that central banks may need to keep raising interest rates, which could hurt the stock market.
  2. Some investors, like Cathie Wood, are still optimistic about growth stocks and technology. They think these areas will see big growth in the future despite recent struggles.
  3. Warren Buffett advises regular investors to stay calm during market changes. He believes investing in an S&P 500 ETF is a smart move for long-term growth.

Buffett's big lesson after 80 years of investing.

159 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
💼 Business Investing Finance Management Economics Corporate strategy
  1. Making a few great investment decisions can have a huge impact over time. It's better to focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to investing.
  2. Staying calm and focusing on long-term goals is crucial. Short-term market noise shouldn't distract investors from their main objectives.
  3. It's important to be flexible and willing to change your approach as circumstances evolve. Adapting to new ideas can lead to better investment opportunities.

How Jeff Bezos saw the world 25 years ago.

199 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
💼 Business E-commerce Entrepreneurship Technology Innovation Marketing
  1. Jeff Bezos recognized early on that the internet was growing rapidly, with web usage increasing by 2,300% a year. He used this opportunity to start Amazon as an online bookstore.
  2. Bezos believed that capturing people's attention was crucial. He focused on providing innovative services that added real value, which helped Amazon grow mainly through word of mouth instead of paid ads.
  3. He viewed the late 20th century as a unique time for innovation, comparing the beginnings of e-commerce to the 'Kitty Hawk' stage of flight. He felt excited about the possibilities for the future.

Can tech stocks keep climbing?

59 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Economic Trends
  1. Tech stocks have seen impressive growth this year, with companies like Nvidia and Meta seeing gains over 180%. Many believe this trend could continue if interest rates stabilize.
  2. While some analysts believe tech stocks might keep rising, they also warn about high valuations, making them potentially risky investments.
  3. Analyst forecasts suggest varied potential for growth among tech stocks, with many still seeing positive gains ahead, despite concerns about valuation.

How Apple became Warren Buffett's best investment.

119 implied HN points • 06 May 23
💼 Business Investing Corporate strategy Market Analysis Leadership Consumer behavior
  1. Warren Buffett sees Apple as the best business in his investment portfolio, worth over $150 billion. His comfort with Apple represents a big change since he used to avoid tech stocks.
  2. Buffett understands consumer loyalty to Apple products, emphasizing how people might give up a car before their iPhone. This strong demand creates a protective advantage for Apple.
  3. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, is praised by Buffett for his leadership and shareholder respect. Apple's strong financials, like stock buybacks and dividends, benefit Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway.

Bob Iger is back as Disney's CEO.

199 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
💼 Business Corporate strategy Leadership Market Trends Media industry Investments
  1. Bob Iger has returned as CEO of Disney after the ousting of Bob Chapek. This marks a surprising shift since Iger had stepped down in early 2020.
  2. Iger's previous leadership was highly successful, with Disney's market value increasing by $200 billion during his time as CEO. He was responsible for major deals and launches, like Disney+ and acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel.
  3. The company is facing challenges, such as pressure from investors for profit and upcoming job cuts. Iger's relationship with employees and vision for the company will be crucial in navigating these issues.

Things to know about the Tesla Bot.

59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Manufacturing Automation Innovation
  1. Tesla is making a humanoid robot called the Tesla Bot, or Optimus, which is expected to cost under $20,000 and be available for orders in about five years.
  2. This robot is designed to take on boring, repetitive, or dangerous tasks, like mowing lawns or helping elderly people.
  3. Tesla is building all the parts for the robot in-house, giving them a potential edge in manufacturing compared to other companies working on robots.

Cybertruck is coming...are you ready?

99 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Innovation Manufacturing Market Trends
  1. Tesla's Cybertruck is anticipated to change the pickup market significantly and could make $30 billion quickly if it sells well.
  2. Traditional truck makers like Ford and GM have dominated the market, but their share is shrinking, while Tesla's unique design and approach may attract new customers.
  3. There are concerns about how fleet buyers will respond to the Cybertruck's design, but it could encourage more people to buy trucks, similar to how the iPhone changed the smartphone market.