In 1993, amidst the hustle and bustle of family life and work commitments, I distinctly recall contemplating that should I have any disposable income, I would invest it in these particular stocks.
I worked in tech running my own business and Microsoft was one of the businesses I wondered about, Apple was another and later Amazon too.
I never bought them, but had I have done, this is what would have happened.
Microsoft
Microsoft in 1993 was trading at around $2.35 per share. Today the company’s share price is trading at around $374.00 per share. So, had I bought $1,000 (adjusting for splits and dividends), my $1000 would be worth about $160,000 now. Had I bought $10,000 – I would have made just over $1 million.
Amazon
Had I bought Amazon a little later in 1997 and held it, a $1000 investment would now be worth a staggering $1.7 million (adjusting for splits and dividends). After the IPO and subsequent stock splits Amazon shares were trading at just 7 cents each according to Amazon’s website.
Apple
And as for Apple – a stock purchase in 1993 of $1000 would now be worth approximately $900,000 (not allowing for stock splits and dividends). Apple was trading at 22 cents per share in 1993.
The question is, if I had made the stock purchases – would I still be holding them long-term?
Intel’s new chip will go head-to-head with Nvidia and AMD
Intel unveiled new computer microchips on Thursday 14th December 2023, including Gaudi3, a chip for generative AI software.
Intel also announced Core Ultra chips, designed for Windows laptops and PCs, and new fifth-generation Xeon server chips. Intel’s server and PC processors include specialized AI parts called NPUs that can be used to run AI programs faster.
AI race
AI models, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, run on Nvidia GPUs in the cloud. It’s one reason Nvidia stock has been up nearly 230% year to date while Intel shares have risen 68%. And it’s why companies like AMD and, now Intel, have announced chips that they hope will attract AI companies away from Nvidia’s dominant position in the market.
Gaudi3 will compete with Nvidia’s H100, the main choice among companies that build huge factories of the chips to power AI applications, and AMD’s forthcoming MI300X, when it starts shipping to customers in 2024.
CEO Gelsinger
‘We’ve been seeing the excitement with generative AI, the star of the show for 2023,’ Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger reportedly said at a launch event in New York where he announced Gaudi3 along other chips focused on AI applications.
Intel upping the anti with its Gaudi AI chip. The AI PC to become the new AI start of 2024 and beyond!
‘We think the AI PC will be the star of the show for the upcoming year,’ Gelsinger added. And that’s where Intel’s new Core Ultra processors, also announced on Thursday, will come into play.
Norman Vincent Peale was an American Protestant clergyman and an author best known for popularizing the concept of positive thinking, especially through his best-selling book The Power of Positive Thinking
Deflation is an economic phenomenon characterized by a general decline in prices for goods and services. It occurs when the inflation rate falls below 0%, resulting in a negative inflation rate.
This means that the purchasing power of currency increases over time, allowing you to buy more with the same amount of money. It can be as damaging to the economy as inflation.
Consumer and Asset Prices: During deflation, both consumer and asset prices decrease, which might seem like a good thing because it increases the purchasing power.
Economic Impact: However, deflation can be harmful to the economy. It often signals an impending recession or hard economic times. If people expect prices to fall further, they may delay purchases, hoping to buy later at a lower price. This leads to reduced spending, which can cause producers to earn less, potentially leading to unemployment and higher interest rates.
Measurement: Deflation is measured using economic indicators like the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks the prices of commonly purchased goods and services. When the CPI shows that prices are lower than in a previous period, the economy is experiencing deflation.
Causes: The main causes of deflation include a decrease in demand or an increase in supply. A decline in aggregate demand can lead to lower prices if supply remains unchanged. Conversely, an increase in supply can also cause prices to drop if demand does not increase accordingly.
It’s important to note that deflation is different from disinflation. Disinflation refers to a slowdown in the rate of inflation, where prices are still rising but at a slower pace than before.
Deflation can have complex effects on an economy, and while it may benefit consumers in the short term, it can lead to broader economic challenges.
Deflation, friend or foe?
Deflation, often perceived as a relief during times of high prices, is a complex economic condition that presents both benefits and challenges. It is defined by a general decrease in the price level of goods and services, leading to an increase in the real value of money. This means consumers can buy more for less, but this apparent advantage masks the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface.
The immediate effect of deflation is an increase in consumer purchasing power. As prices drop, money buys more, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals on fixed incomes. However, this boon is short-lived if deflation persists. Consumers, anticipating further price drops, may postpone purchases, leading to a decrease in consumer spending, the lifeblood of any economy. This reduction in demand can force businesses to lower prices further, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.
Deflation can lead to a reduction in demand and can force businesses to lower prices, creating a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break.
Moreover, deflation can exacerbate debt burdens. As prices and revenues fall, the real value of debt increases, making it more challenging for borrowers to repay their obligations. This can lead to increased loan defaults and financial instability. For businesses, falling prices mean reduced profit margins, leading to cost-cutting measures such as layoffs, reduced investment, and even bankruptcy.
Causes
The causes of deflation are multifaceted, often stemming from a decrease in aggregate demand or an oversupply of goods. Technological advancements, while boosting productivity, can also contribute to deflation by lowering production costs and increasing supply faster than demand. Additionally, a strong currency can make imports cheaper, contributing to lower prices domestically.
Tools
Central banks and governments typically combat deflation with monetary and fiscal policies aimed at stimulating demand. Lowering interest rates, increasing government spending, and quantitative easing are common strategies employed to inject money into the economy and encourage spending.
While deflation can initially seem like a welcome development, its long-term effects can be detrimental to economic health. It is a delicate balance that policymakers must navigate carefully to ensure stability and growth in the economy.
During this period of inflationary pressure, no country is beyond the grasp of deflation.
A message for governments and central banks around the world – don’t push too hard!
