62% of small business owners experienced a decline in revenue during Q4 2023 compared to the previous year, highlighting the challenges they face despite the overall economic landscape.
Mortgage rates are expected to remain above 6% through 2025, impacting housing affordability but stabilizing the mortgage-backed securities market and increasing mortgage origination.
Unsealed court documents contain allegations that President Clinton pressured Vanity Fair not to write about Epstein, raising questions about his knowledge of Epstein's crimes.
Blackwater's Erik Prince predicts that China will try to invade Taiwan in spring 2024, emphasizing the need for increased defense supplies and international preparedness.
Deep dives
62% of Small Business Owners Experience Decline in Q4 Revenue, According to Report
A December report by Alainable reveals that 62% of small business owners experienced a decline in revenue during Q4 2023 compared to the previous year. This trend reflects the challenges that small businesses are facing in terms of high interest rates and increasing expenses. Many small business owners are taking on side jobs to supplement their income, and the report highlights the need for small businesses to focus on increasing revenue. This data sheds light on the struggles that small business owners are facing despite the overall economic landscape.
Goldman Sachs Predicts Mortgage Rates to Stay Above 6% Through 2025
Goldman Sachs predicts that mortgage rates will remain above 6% through 2025, with a projected rate of 6.3% by the end of 2023 and 6% by 2025. This forecast is based on expectations of limited interest rate cuts and a narrow spread between mortgage rates and treasury yields. The higher rates are due to banks factoring in prepayment risk, as they anticipate consumers to refinance their mortgages. While this projection may affect housing affordability, it is expected to stabilize the mortgage-backed securities market and increase mortgage origination.
Newly unsealed court documents reveal President Clinton's connection to Jeffrey Epstein
Recently unsealed court documents contain claims that President Clinton pressured Vanity Fair to not write about Epstein. Clinton's spokesperson denies knowledge of Epstein's crimes.
Megan Kelly hints at more revelations about Jeffrey Epstein
Discussing the Jeffrey Epstein case, Megan Kelly suggests that more information will come to light in the coming year, and possibly even from Epstein himself.
Questions about Bill Clinton's accountability amidst numerous sexual assault accusations
With multiple accusations of sexual assault against Bill Clinton, the question remains: when will he be held accountable for his actions?
Controversy over Taylor Swift courses in colleges
There is a debate about the value of college education as colleges offer courses on popular celebrities like Taylor Swift, with some arguing that college is becoming overrated and a waste of money. The issue is not limited to Ivy League institutions like Harvard, but also includes universities like Cal Berkeley and University of Texas. The question of whether college is worth it has been raised, particularly as the gender ratio of college students has shifted significantly over the years. Some argue that colleges are trying to appeal to young women by offering trendy courses.
Blackwater founder predicts potential China invasion of Taiwan
Eric Prince, founder of Blackwater, predicts that China will attempt to invade Taiwan in the spring of 2024. He believes that under the Biden administration, China may see an opportunity to take action with the perception that the door is open for them. Prince highlights the importance of NATO members increasing their defense supplies and industrial base to be prepared. While there are different opinions on the likelihood of an invasion, Prince's prediction raises concerns about China's intentions and the need for international attention and preparedness.
Patrick Bet-David, Adam Sosnick, Tom Ellsworth, and Vincent Oshana cover the day's biggest stories in business, politics, sports, and current events!
5:49 - Elon Musk's X has lost 71.5% in value since he purchased it last year.
19:56 - Mark Cuban and Elon Musk argue over DEI on X.
36:10 - 62% of small business owners earned less in Q4 of 2023 than in Q4 of 2022
45:30 - Mortgage rates expected to stay above 6% through 2025
56:15 - 17-year-old student shoots and kills one, injured five in Iowa shooting.
1:08:53 - Bill Ackman calls for the resignation of Harvard board members who supported Claudine Gay.
1:19:36 - Harvard launches Taylor Swift course for students.
1:25:45 - Blackwater's Erik Prince predicts China will invade Tawain in 2024.
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Patrick Bet-David is the founder and CEO of Valuetainment Media. He is the author of the #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller “Your Next Five Moves” (Simon & Schuster) and a father of 2 boys and 2 girls. He currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
