Bull & Bear Markets: Reflections and Realities.

Throughout this 7 lesson course, Simon covers an array of topics branching over the last 100 years of economic history.

Lesson 1 discusses fixed income, anchored by the influential 10-year bond. Simon explains its pivotal role in global financing and government borrowing costs, alongside insights from renowned experts like David Swenson, as well as the historical ebbs and flows of interest rates, revealing insights into market dynamics and the intricate dance between inflation, central bank policies, and economic trends.

Lesson 2 helps you better understand the intricacies of long-term investing, and uncover the historical returns of equities, bonds, and cash, seeing insights into market volatility and the impact of inflation on purchasing power. It explores the psychological challenges investors face, from navigating market downturns to the allure of trendy investments, while learning timeless lessons from financial history.

Lesson 3 Looks at corporate history, companies that dominated the industry before technological shifts reshaped the landscape, and the importance of adaptability in the face of evolving markets.

In Lesson 4, Simon explains Japan's economic history, where the once-dominant Nikkei index soared to unprecedented heights in 1989, commanding nearly half of the world's stock market capitalization. Learn about Japan's post-war resurgence, to then confronting a secular bear market, erasing fortunes and shattering market valuations.Learn relevant anecdotal lessons from history, like Amazon’s staggering 95% plunge during the internet crash.

Lesson 5 focuses on global finance, where foreign exchange, gold, oil, and uranium shape investment landscapes alongside traditional assets like bonds and stocks. He then moves onto the concept of reference currency, reflecting individual perspectives influenced by income and expenditures across diverse global contexts. Also discussed is currency dynamics, from the enduring dominance of the US dollar to the concept of de-dollarization and the implications for global reserves. He draws on anecdotes such as George Soros's legendary bet against the British pound in 1992, illustrating the potential for outsized returns amidst currency volatility.

Lesson 6 explores he enduring allure of gold as a wealth preservation asset amidst discussions on renewable energy and alternative investments like uranium. Simon speaks about the intrinsic value of gold, highlighted by its scarcity compared to fiat currencies subject to substantial increases in money supply.

The final Lesson [7], follows Simon through a compelling exploration of active versus passive investing, illustrated by China's market dynamics within the MSCI index. Discover the pitfalls of blindly adhering to benchmarks, as evidenced by the challenges faced by passive investors during China's market collapse. He offers insights into the emotional rollercoaster of investing, from optimism to fear, and the importance of managing losses effectively, echoing the wisdom of legendary investors like Jesse Livermore.