Tyler Perry recently took aim at insurance companies for their breathtaking betrayal of Los Angeles homeowners. These companies, after years of raking in billions of dollars in premiums, have decided to leave people high and dry by canceling policies just as wildfires wreak havoc across the region. Perry, known for his generosity and outspokenness, didn’t mince words when he took to Instagram to express his frustration.

The filmmaker recounted seeing a woman using a garden hose to protect her elderly parents’ home because their insurance had been canceled. “Does anyone else find it appalling that insurance companies can take billions of dollars out of communities for years and then, all of a sudden, be allowed to cancel millions of policies for the very people they became rich on?” Perry wrote. He called it what it is: pure greed.

Perry, who’s known for putting his money where his mouth is, promised to do everything he could to help those impacted. Meanwhile, countless Angelenos—many now uninsured—are watching their homes and possessions go up in smoke as the Palisades and Eaton wildfires ravage the city. According to Cal Fire, the Palisades Fire has already consumed nearly 24,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire has scorched over 14,000 acres.

Adding fuel to the fire (pun intended), insurance giants like State Farm, Chubb, and Allstate have been pulling the plug on coverage in high-risk areas, leaving homeowners to fend for themselves. State Farm alone announced it wouldn’t renew 30,000 policies, hitting Pacific Palisades particularly hard. Sure, Mercury Insurance has stepped up to offer policies, but let’s not kid ourselves—this is like patching a sinking ship with duct tape.

And while celebrities like Paris Hilton, Miles Teller, and Adam Brody are among those who lost homes, others, like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have reportedly offered aid. But let’s not forget: these celebrity stories, as heartwarming or tragic as they may be, distract from the bigger picture. Everyday Americans—the ones paying their premiums on time—are the real victims here.

The left loves to blame climate change, but where’s their outrage over the insurance companies abandoning the very people who made them rich? Democrats are too busy pandering to the green energy lobby to hold anyone accountable. This is what happens when you let big government and big corporations run amok: the people lose. What we need is strong, pro-America leadership that puts hardworking citizens first, not more virtue-signaling about climate change or corporate greed.

Food prices are on the rise again, and while the USDA’s Food Price Outlook is trying to spin it as “slower growth,” Americans aren’t fooled. A predicted 1.9 percent hike in 2025 might sound mild compared to the 9.9 percent spike in 2022, but when everything from eggs to cereal is still costing more, it’s hard to find any comfort in that. And let’s be honest, these prices aren’t climbing because of some fluke; they’re climbing because of mismanagement, overregulation, and, of course, inflation fueled by reckless government spending.

Eggs, for example, have become the poster child for skyrocketing prices. A dozen Grade A eggs went from $2.69 in May 2024 to $3.64 in November, a 35 percent jump. The USDA blames the avian flu outbreak, but let’s not forget the regulations on chicken farming that Democrats have championed, such as banning cages. While they virtue-signal about animal welfare, everyday Americans are left paying more for their breakfast. It’s almost as if they’ve forgotten that high energy costs and burdensome trucking regulations also drive up prices across the board.

David Kelly, an economics professor at the University of Miami, hit the nail on the head when he said, “The vast majority of the high food prices are attributed to high inflation.” He even offered commonsense solutions, like promoting free-trade agreements in agriculture. But, as he pointed out, the idea is unpopular with the left, which prefers doubling down on rules and restrictions instead of letting the free market work.

Even processed foods—already notorious for their questionable health impacts—are climbing in price, adding insult to injury. Meanwhile, the USDA labels eggs as “the most volatile category” in its data, with farm-level egg prices nearly doubling from November 2023 to November 2024. The United Egg Producers association noted that the ongoing avian flu outbreak, now entering its fourth year, has devastated over 130 million birds, including 102 million egg-laying hens. Yet, Democrats seem more focused on pushing green energy boondoggles than on ensuring America’s food supply chain is resilient and affordable.

The solution isn’t more regulation or vague promises of relief. It’s leadership that puts the needs of Americans first. Under a pro-growth administration—think Trump-era policies—energy costs drop, regulations ease, and inflation doesn’t spiral out of control. That’s when food prices stabilize and families can stop worrying about whether they can afford eggs, bread, and milk.

Warren Buffett, the man who’s made billions by staying calm and sticking to common sense, continues to inspire investors everywhere. His formula is simple: understand the business, believe in its execution, and only buy when it’s reasonably priced. It’s advice that works, even if Democrats would rather distract you with pie-in-the-sky green energy schemes and government overreach.

Let’s take a closer look at two major players in Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio—Bank of America and American Express—and why 2025 could be the year to pounce.

Bank of America is a behemoth in the financial world, making up 11.3% of Berkshire’s portfolio. It’s weathered economic challenges with resilience, thriving across consumer banking, wealth management, and global mergers. Analysts expect a 14.3% bump in revenue and a whopping 133% earnings jump in Q4 2024. That’s not just good news—it’s a roadmap for future prosperity.

The bank’s net interest income is climbing, thanks to a favorable yield curve and increased loan volumes. Customer deposits are up significantly, growing from $750 billion pre-pandemic to $940 billion in late 2024. Let’s not forget the tech angle: its virtual assistant, Erica, has managed 2.4 billion client interactions. That’s the kind of forward-thinking Democrats only dream about while drowning in bureaucratic red tape.

At just 1.26 times book value, Bank of America is a steal. While Berkshire trimmed its holdings, savvy investors can capitalize on the stock’s upside potential without missing a beat.

American Express continues to dominate, delivering stellar earnings despite a tough demand environment. Its $3.49 EPS in Q3 2024 is a testament to its ability to navigate challenges. The company’s younger, loyal customer base is a standout, with millennial and Gen Z spending up 12%. These aren’t the entitlement-driven college kids crying over microaggressions—these are customers who spend big and stay loyal.

With 40 products refreshed globally by Q3, American Express is adapting at lightning speed. Its Gold Card is now the go-to choice for younger demographics, outperforming even its iconic Platinum Card. Yet the stock trades at just three times sales, making it a bargain in today’s inflated market.

While Democrats bungle policies and hemorrhage tax dollars on failing schemes, these companies are delivering real results. Bank of America and American Express exemplify the kind of resilience and growth only possible in a free-market economy. They are perfect reminders of what happens when businesses focus on innovation instead of virtue signaling.

These aren’t just stocks—they’re a chance to invest in the future of American prosperity. Under a Trump administration focused on pro-growth policies, the economic horizon looks brighter than ever. It’s time to make the most of it.

Gold prices surged following the release of December’s jobs report, which revealed a stunning 256,000 jobs added—far surpassing market expectations. While a strong labor market typically bolsters the dollar and curbs gold’s allure, this reaction suggests something deeper is brewing beneath the surface of global markets.

Alex Ebkarian of Allegiance Gold aptly summarized the sentiment: “Gold’s strength following a robust jobs report might seem counterintuitive… but this reaction highlights a broader unease among investors—it reflects deeper fears about structural issues like unsustainable debt levels, overvalued markets, and geopolitical uncertainty.”

Gold futures rose 1.5%, hitting $2,732 an ounce, just shy of the all-time high of $2,800 set in October. This marked a weekly gain of approximately 3%, a clear signal that investors are hedging against the volatile cocktail of economic and geopolitical challenges facing the world.

Despite the Federal Reserve’s recent interest-rate cuts slowing down, investors are skeptical about long-term stability. December’s stronger-than-expected job numbers, coupled with an unexpected drop in unemployment, only added to the uncertainty about where monetary policy heads next. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index rose 0.4%, theoretically diminishing gold’s appeal. Yet gold continues to defy conventional wisdom, reinforcing its role as a hedge against chaos.

The real story behind gold’s surge isn’t just about market mechanics; it’s about a widespread lack of confidence in leadership. Years of reckless Democrat-led spending have ballooned national debt, weakened fiscal discipline, and left future generations to clean up the mess. The Biden administration’s dithering on energy independence, bloated welfare programs, and incoherent foreign policy have only exacerbated geopolitical tensions and economic instability.

As businesses and markets prepare for Donald Trump’s pro-growth presidency, the stark contrast between his leadership and the left’s incompetence couldn’t be clearer. Trump’s policies of fiscal responsibility, energy dominance, and putting America first are precisely what’s needed to restore stability and confidence. Until that happens, expect gold to remain the safe haven for those hedging against Democrat-induced uncertainty.

The November jobs report delivered a clear message: optimism surrounding Donald Trump’s election victory is already driving America’s economy forward. Employers across the country added a staggering 256,000 workers to their payrolls, demolishing economists’ expectations of 153,000. The unemployment rate dipped to a refreshing 4.1%, further cementing the notion that businesses are preparing for four years of prosperity under Trump’s leadership.

The private sector led the charge, adding 223,000 jobs—a number that not only blew away forecasts of 130,000 but also signaled that companies are gearing up for the pro-business policies Trump has promised. Retail trade bounced back from a 29,000-job decline in November to add 43,000 positions. Leisure and hospitality matched that figure, a significant rebound from the sluggish monthly averages under the Biden administration. These sectors, reliant on consumer spending, are clearly banking on Trump’s plan to slash taxes, cut red tape, and bring manufacturing jobs back to American soil.

Health care and social assistance also posted significant gains, with 46,000 and 23,000 jobs added, respectively. While these categories are often tied to government spending, the anticipation of Trump’s reforms aimed at trimming waste and prioritizing efficiency is already lifting spirits.

Perhaps the most telling indicator of economic momentum is the rise in average hourly earnings, which ticked up 0.3% from the previous month and are now 3.9% higher than a year ago. This figure underscores growing confidence among employers willing to invest in their workforce ahead of what promises to be a thriving economic period.

The Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates at its next meeting, thanks to this robust labor market. Even more importantly, the economy’s resilience suggests the Fed may maintain this course well into 2025 as Trump’s policies take effect.

Democrats, of course, will be quick to downplay these successes. But let’s be honest: under Biden, the economy crawled; under Trump, it’s preparing to sprint. The numbers don’t lie—employers are betting big on Trump’s leadership, and the American worker is already reaping the rewards.

Bill Gates, the left’s patron saint of philanthropy and tech, might be worth over $1 trillion today had he clung to his original 45% stake in Microsoft. Instead, Gates has offloaded massive amounts of his Microsoft shares over the decades, funneling much of his wealth into the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. While liberals cheer this as altruism, it’s worth questioning the ideological strings attached to these billions funneled into global health and poverty projects. Not to mention, Gates’ portfolio tells an interesting story, dominated by just three major stocks: Microsoft, Berkshire Hathaway, and Waste Management.

Microsoft, unsurprisingly, makes up 29% of the foundation’s portfolio. Gates, the man who built the empire, returned to his roots by donating nearly 29 million shares in recent years. With AI dominance as its driving force, Microsoft has surged 60% since Gates’ last donation in 2022. Its cloud computing platform, Azure, and its AI Copilot services are leading the pack in enterprise software. Despite trading at a lofty 33 times forward earnings, Microsoft remains the crown jewel in Gates’ portfolio. It’s hard to argue against its role as a tech behemoth, but liberals love to tout this as a symbol of modern innovation—conveniently ignoring how Big Tech stifles competition and kowtows to left-wing ideologues.

Next up, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway accounts for 23% of the Gates Foundation’s holdings. Buffett, a longtime Democrat darling, has been throwing shares at the foundation since 2006. Berkshire’s portfolio is massive, with $300 billion in equities and $325 billion in cash and Treasuries. The company’s operating income grew 17% in 2024, and shares jumped 27%, outperforming the S&P 500. Yet even Buffett, the so-called Oracle of Omaha, hit pause on buying back his own stock—a sign that even he knows valuations are inflated. But hey, Democrats would rather spend time lionizing Buffett than addressing the looming debt crisis.

Finally, Waste Management rounds out the portfolio with a 15% share. The company isn’t flashy, but its dominance in the waste disposal industry ensures steady growth. Its ability to raise prices, streamline operations, and acquire competitors has made it a reliable performer. Waste Management expects significant growth in revenue and free cash flow in 2025, and the Gates Foundation has held onto this stock for good reason.

Here’s the kicker: while Gates and his foundation are hailed as philanthropic saviors, these investments are a reminder that capitalism works—when it’s not bogged down by leftist overregulation and wealth redistribution schemes. Gates didn’t build his empire with “equity” and “inclusivity” mantras; he did it by capitalizing on free-market opportunities. It’s a lesson Democrats could learn but probably won’t. Instead, they’ll keep pushing policies that crush small businesses and reward corporate monopolies—because nothing screams “progressive” like stifling competition.

Dan Niles, founder of Niles Investment Management, has stepped into 2025 with a cautious outlook, warning that this could be a rough year for the markets. He’s pegging his predictions on a wide spectrum, with the S&P 500 potentially gaining 10% if inflation stays in check—or plummeting 20% if it reignites. And his top investment pick? Cash. Yes, cold, hard cash.

“Cash was my top pick in 2022, and it’s my top pick again for 2025,” Niles said, pointing to money-market funds offering a guaranteed 4% yield. He’s hedging against what he sees as a real risk: a resurgence of inflation late in the year, driven by a robust U.S. consumer and Trump’s pro-growth policies. “If inflation takes off again, the Fed might have to raise rates, and we could see losses in both stocks and bonds,” Niles explained.

TOP 5 PICKS 2025
“It is not the strongest nor the most intelligent of species that survives, but the one that is most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin. This is how I am thinking about 2025.

As a reminder, my Top 5 picks coming into 2024 had a skew of defense and offense.… https://t.co/tIaYJb12Jz

— Dan Niles (@DanielTNiles) January 6, 2025

This is the kind of prediction that makes leftist economists squirm. They’d prefer to keep doubling down on Keynesian pipe dreams, but Niles is talking about fiscal reality here. The man knows markets, and his concerns about inflation and stock valuations are rooted in common sense. He pointed out that the S&P’s trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 25 times, well above the historical average of 19. “Stocks are expensive, and if Treasury yields rise, it’s going to put even more pressure on the market,” he warned.

Niles didn’t stop there. He flagged potential challenges like lower ad revenues following the 2024 election, a late Easter cutting into consumer spending, and the strengthening dollar hurting international revenues for U.S. companies. Oh, and let’s not forget the potential for inflationary policies like immigration reform and deregulation—moves likely to come from President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. While these policies could spur growth, they might also fan inflation, creating more market turbulence.

But there’s some silver lining. Niles sees opportunities in sectors poised to benefit from deregulation and infrastructure spending. Cisco Systems, banks, and mid-cap stocks stand out as potential winners in this environment. He’s also optimistic about networking companies like ADTRAN Holdings, which could see growth from increased fiber spending.

As Niles calls for adaptability in 2025, the broader lesson is clear: sound economic policies matter. While Democrats wring their hands over “equity” and push for bigger government, it’s pro-growth, pro-American policies that can steer the economy toward strength. Trump’s administration has a chance to unleash this potential, proving once again that free markets and fiscal discipline win over socialist pipe dreams.

Bernstein analysts are predicting Bitcoin will hit a jaw-dropping $200,000 by the end of 2025, ushering in what they’re calling the “Infinity Age” of cryptocurrency. It’s a bold forecast tied to what they see as a seismic shift: mainstream financial adoption of Bitcoin and other digital assets. If their crystal ball is right, the crypto market isn’t just booming; it’s transforming into a cornerstone of global finance.

JUST IN: Bernstein predicts #Bitcoin hits $200k in 2025 pic.twitter.com/JTbJyoiV01

— Altcoin Daily (@AltcoinDailyio) October 23, 2024

Corporate treasuries are expected to play a massive role in this surge, with Bitcoin adoption in boardrooms skyrocketing. Bernstein predicts inflows into corporate treasuries will more than double, hitting $50 billion in 2025, up from $24 billion in 2024. MicroStrategy, already a heavyweight in this space, is poised to stay on top, joined by Bitcoin miners and a wave of mid-sized corporations dipping their toes into crypto.

The forecast gets even juicier with the projected rise of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. Bernstein estimates these funds will pull in over $70 billion in net inflows, doubling 2024’s numbers. Once again, crypto proves it’s not just a plaything for tech bros; it’s becoming a serious financial instrument.

On the regulatory front, Bernstein anticipates a more crypto-friendly administration that will focus on stablecoins and digital asset legislation. Imagine that—a government that actually encourages innovation instead of strangling it in red tape. (Are you listening, Democrats?)

Speaking of stablecoins, Bernstein sees the global market surpassing $500 billion in 2025, driven by their growing role in cross-border payments. This isn’t just a crypto fad—it’s a practical solution that even bureaucrats can’t ignore.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin mining might see a shake-up as companies incorporate artificial intelligence to boost efficiency and value. The merging of AI and crypto could spark an explosion of innovation, from decentralized AI-powered blockchains to AI-enhanced crypto wallets.

Ethereum isn’t sitting on the sidelines, either. It’s expected to capture the attention of institutional investors, with more than a quarter of all Ether staked and its utility expanding across multiple applications.

If Bernstein is right, the next two years will see crypto break free from its niche status and embed itself into the global financial fabric. For conservatives, this means embracing a future where innovation and freedom drive economic growth, unlike the socialist nanny-state vision peddled by the left.

Joe Biden is once again playing Santa Claus with money the government doesn’t have, signing the Social Security Fairness Act into law. The bill, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), promises bigger checks for millions of public sector retirees. On the surface, it’s being hailed as a win for teachers, firefighters, and police officers who’ve long seen their benefits unfairly slashed. But let’s not kid ourselves—this is classic Democrat policymaking: hand out money now, worry about insolvency later.

Biden boasted during Sunday’s signing ceremony that the law would raise Social Security benefits by an average of $360 a month for 2.8 million retirees. Firefighters’ unions and other public-sector groups were quick to cheer the move, calling it justice for retirees who’ve been shortchanged for decades. Sure, it sounds great—until you realize the Congressional Budget Office estimates this little gift will cost nearly $196 billion over the next decade. That’s quite the tab for a Social Security system already careening toward insolvency.

Social Security’s finances are a train wreck. By 2038, the program is expected to run out of money unless lawmakers act to fix it. But instead of addressing this looming crisis, Democrats are piling on more costs, all while pretending the system isn’t on borrowed time. Senator Thom Tillis, one of the few voices of sanity, pointed out that this bill does nothing to ensure long-term sustainability. He’s right: throwing more benefits at a broken system without a funding plan is fiscal lunacy.

This law will provide retroactive payments dating back to January 2024, with some beneficiaries seeing monthly increases as high as $1,190. That’s great for the 3 million retirees affected—but what about everyone else who’s paid into the system and might not see a dime when the trust fund dries up? The SSA is already scrambling to figure out how to implement these changes, but don’t hold your breath for answers anytime soon.

The Social Security Fairness Act is another prime example of how Democrats play politics with your money. They’ll buy votes today with promises they can’t keep tomorrow. Meanwhile, the rest of us are left holding the bag. If Biden truly cared about America’s retirees, he’d tackle Social Security’s financial problems head-on instead of passing the buck to future generations.

The United States is finally taking a decisive stand against China’s military-industrial complex. The Commerce Department has slapped sanctions on 11 Chinese entities for their role in bolstering the Chinese military—a move long overdue given Beijing’s relentless push for global dominance. These companies and research labs will now face strict licensing requirements for acquiring U.S.-origin technology, effectively shutting down their ability to exploit American innovation for military purposes.

Among the sanctioned entities, Chengdu RML Technology Co., Ltd. stands out for supplying precision-guided missiles and satellite communication systems to the Chinese military. Chengdu Yaguang Electronics Co., Ltd. and its parent company have been caught funneling dual-use electronic components to Beijing’s armed forces. Hefei Starwave Communication Technology Co., Ltd. has also been flagged for providing radio frequency and microwave products explicitly for military equipment.

Even more troubling, seven of the sanctioned entities have ties to hypersonic weapons development, a field where China aims to outpace the United States. These organizations are engaged in designing and modeling hypersonic flight vehicles, leveraging proprietary software to enhance weapons systems, and supporting China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy. This strategy, as the State Department has previously warned, eliminates barriers between China’s civilian research sectors and its military-industrial complex, creating a seamless pipeline for cutting-edge technology to be weaponized.

It’s no secret that the Chinese Communist Party has been systematically targeting key technologies like quantum computing, AI, aerospace, and 5G—not through innovation but through theft and coercion. The regime’s endgame is clear: military dominance at the expense of global stability. Internal documents have even revealed Beijing’s efforts to censor information about its Military-Civil Fusion strategy, likely to avoid sanctions like these.

The Commerce Department didn’t stop with China. Sanctions were also extended to entities in Burma and Pakistan. Burma’s Telecom International Myanmar Company Limited was penalized for aiding the Burmese military regime’s human rights abuses, while Pakistan’s Emerging Future Solutions Private Limited faced consequences for contributing to its ballistic missile program. Pakistan has been under increasing scrutiny for years, with multiple entities sanctioned for smuggling U.S. technology to support its missile and drone programs.

This move by the Biden administration is commendable but far from enough. For years, Democrats have tiptoed around China, treating them like a misunderstood trading partner instead of the aggressive adversary they are. While the left has been busy obsessing over climate change and woke policies, Beijing has been laser-focused on building weapons that could threaten global security.

Real leadership—the kind seen under President Trump—recognizes the importance of putting America first. Sanctioning these entities is a good start, but it’s only a drop in the bucket. The United States must double down on holding China accountable, cracking down on intellectual property theft, and ensuring that no U.S. innovation ever fuels Beijing’s ambitions. The road to American strength is clear: strong borders, strong economy, and a defense policy that prioritizes our nation over globalist fantasies. Anything less is just playing into the hands of our adversaries.