The Very First Commercial Space Flight

Plus: Two stocks to buy and hold forever

Good Morning!

In this edition, let's put on our history hats and ponder the burning question: Will we see a recession this year? We're digging into the past to see what it tells us about the future. If we do enter one, there’s some good news as 23 of the largest U.S. banks just schooled the Federal Reserve's recession stress test like it was no big deal. Impressive, right?

Finally, prepare for liftoff because we're taking a trip to the stars. Virgin Galactic has successfully completed its very first commercial rocket plane flight to space. Tickets range from $250,000 to $450,000 - jury is out on whether they’re worth the money…

It's hard to believe how quickly time flies, but here we are already halfway through 2023! Now, let's shift our focus to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the second half of the year.

Here's an interesting tidbit: did you know that before a recession strikes, the market often reaches its peak? On the flip side, just before a recession concludes, it hits rock bottom.

This fascinating pattern highlights the cyclical nature of economic trends and offers us valuable insights into market behavior.

Let me share an interesting statistic with you: historically, when the Fed raises interest rates, the S&P 500 tends to decline by an average of 25%, with a median decrease of 20%, until it reaches its lowest point.

With this information in mind, it does raise some concerns and suggests that we could potentially be approaching a recession in the near future. Drawing from historical patterns, it is possible to envision a potential downturn in the markets.

Let's dive into the key aspect of investing that separates the pros from the amateurs: having the discipline to hold onto your investments for the long term. Buying stocks or assets may seem like a walk in the park, but truly successful investors understand that it's holding onto them through thick and thin that takes real dedication and expertise.

Get ready to discover a stock that's sure to be a winner - Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)(BRK.B)! It's no surprise that this one is on our list. With Berkshire Hathaway, you're investing in a diverse array of high-quality, expertly managed assets.

Allow me to present you with another brilliant opportunity: Costco (COST)! This outstanding retailer has mastered the art of focus and truly understands their market. Trust me, they know exactly what they're doing and have a track record to prove it!

In a remarkable feat, all 23 banks in the United States that underwent the Federal Reserve's stress test demonstrated their resilience. They effortlessly weathered an exceptionally challenging recession scenario while ensuring continued lending support to individuals and businesses.

This outstanding performance showcases their unwavering commitment to stability and economic growth. Now, let's dive into the intriguing part. When it comes to total loan losses, there is quite a significant variation among different banks. Charles Schwab managed to maintain a cool stance with just a 1.3% loss, showcasing their resilience.

On the other hand, Capital One experienced quite a rollercoaster ride, facing a substantial 14.7% loss that certainly left them feeling the pinch. It's safe to say that it was not an easy journey for them!

Let me paint you a vivid picture of an extraordinary event that unfolded on Thursday. Three bold and adventurous Italians fearlessly took off on a journey aboard a Virgin Galactic (SPCE) rocket plane.

With adrenaline pumping through their veins, they soared through the vast sky, reaching astonishing heights of over 50 miles above the breathtaking New Mexico desert. It was an awe-inspiring experience that showcased the limitless possibilities of human exploration and ignited our collective imagination.

Richard Branson, the visionary billionaire, pioneered this incredible venture back in 2004. And now, after years of relentless determination and innovation, they are proud to announce that they are embarking on their inaugural commercial spaceflight with paying customers.

This groundbreaking achievement is set to redefine the boundaries of human exploration and open up a whole new era of space travel. Virgin Galactic has already received an astounding 800 bookings for a life-changing journey to the stars.

If you have a burning desire to explore outer space, this extraordinary opportunity comes with a price tag ranging from $250,000 to $450,000 per seat. Experience the thrill and wonder of space travel like never before!

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