"It’s hard to argue with success until it is not there" by: John Sample

   We are into the eclipse week that may end up to being a lot to do about nothing due to weather.    
  Hard to experience an event if you can’t actually see it happen.    
  Sometimes things are just not meant to be what you planned and you adapt.    
  You could say the same about all the rate cuts that were going to happen this year.  The markets have focused on earnings and growth.  What a novel concept.    
  This week, we will get both the CPI and PPI reports.   
  Many expect a slight tick up in the numbers.    
  Hardly a recipe for reducing rates.  
  Of more importance to me is the beginning of the first quarter earnings reports lead by the financials.    
  It would be hard to conjure up a scenario where the banking giants don’t show growth.    
  That is not to say there aren’t problems as we have witnessed over the last year or so with regional banks.    
  The glut of unrented commercial space is a prime example.    
  One of the hottest real estate markets has been Austin and due to an oversupply has witnessed an almost 10% drop in values.    
  Nothing goes straight up forever, even in real estate.  
    Our Treasury Secretary is in China to have talks about the economic relationship between the two countries. The term tariffs has come back up due to perceived unfair trade practices.    
  That measure was termed heresy previously as it would lead to trade wars.    
  Just shows you how the times can and do change.    
  India is beginning to realize what a threat China has become.  
  On a lighter note, we are going to crown new men’s and women’s basketball championships and officially begin Spring with the Masters in Augusta Georgia.    
  This is and should be the time of hope and positive thoughts coming out of the winter.    
  We here in the Hill Country are awash in wildflowers and the roads are almost at a standstill with visitors.    
  We have gotten a bit of rain and people’s attitudes seem brighter.    
  As with things in life, with the beauty comes the pollen and lots of sniffles.    
  Nothing in life is perfect.  
  I would say though that you just have to have a smile on your face looking at the positive gains in your investment accounts during the first quarter.    
  I am mindful that is countered by what it costs to live today.    
  It is interesting as to what people notice the most.    
  It tells you all you need to know about a person.    
  I would say though that I am optimistic and grateful for what has transpired so far this year.    
  There is much to do but much to be thankful for during these complicated times.