In Defiance of All Logic, Society and Economics Are Turned on Their Heads; Conditions Worsening in Middle East Conflict

On February 27, the very day before Israel and the United States attecked Iran for no reason other than they would not comply with their wholly unreasonable demands, the price of silver was above $93 an ounce and gold was roughly $5,365 on the spot market.

As of this morning, April 7, silver is $72.10 and gold is $4,660. Conversely, WTI crude oil, which was trading on futures markets at $67.02 per barrel at the close of trading in New York on February 27, is this morning $114.60. Understandably, the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf has been severely curtailed, but that's an increase of 41.52% while gold has declined in "value" by 13.14%, and silver by 22.47% over the same period.

The price of silver is perplexing in that many weapons have been deployed by all three sides of the Middle East malaise, all of which contain varying amounts of silver in their manufacture. Is the world to believe that while silver is being depleted at an advanced rate to an unrecoverable state that the price should decline? Gold, always and everywhere a safety net against the madness of markets, kings, and destabilizing, unconscionable acts should also become more affordable?

All of this defies basic logic, just as casualties suffered by Iran and Israel number in the thousands, the United States has officially announced only 13 or 15 deaths in the war. None of it makes much sense other than the idea that the world has been caught up in the grip of evil, duplicitous men with power to move markets, deny peace and wage war against multitudes of people, whose main objectives are to seize power, and steal the fortunes of others.

U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and their top commanders and political appointees are nothing more than criminals who pledge allegiance only to themselves, mammon, and money and not the countries they are supposed to represent, protect and serve. They would be more fitting clothed in orange jumpsuits at maximum security prisons than wearing expensive tailored suits while occupying the highest offices.

There have been many voices expressing disgust and desperation, saying nothing can be done against these madmen and they have a point. Americans and Israelites have neither the courage nor the will to oppose these tyrants in any meaningful ways. Quiet resistance, at once the preferred position of people of clear conscience, is ineffective. Violent opposition is unthinkable and in between those extremes, people carry on with their daily lives until the harsh realities shake them from their complacency, though even then, most remain powerless, becoming more accustomed to living in chains than freeing themselves and their brethren from the slavish dictates of the ruling elites.

By this time tomorrow, conditions are likely to be severely worse for everyone. Iran continues to attempt to negotiate with the U.S. through various proxies, but all sides are far apart with a Tuesday, April 7, 8:00 pm ET deadline for Iran to fall into line or risk a massive assault on its infrastructure and it seems Trump is not bluffing, already having struck Kharg Island for a second time overnight.

Already this morning, oil prices have spiked higher (WTI, $116). Stock futures have reversed course and are sliding at 9:00 am ET with Dow futures off 173 points, NASDAQ futures lower by 153, and S&P futures shedding 31 points.

Trump's latest neocon screed, issued at 8:06 am ET on April 7 (today) suggests mass annihilation.

This is not likely to end well for anybody.

It's easy to become distraught and even depressed over the ongoing insanity that has engulfed humanity. Burying one's head in the sand or looking the other way does not change conditions. Whatever occurs, it's important to remember who started this war: Israel, with the U.S. in complete agreement and support.

At the Close, Monday, April 6, 2026:
Dow: 46,669.88, +165.18 (+0.36%)
NASDAQ: 21,996.34, +117.14 (+0.54%)
S&P 500: 6,611.83, +29.14 (+0.44%)
NYSE Composite: 22,254.72, +60.82 (+0.27%)

WEEKEND WRAP: Middle East Dilemma Unlikely to Be Soon Resolved; Oil Spikes to $110, Highest in Nearly Four Years; U.S. Average Gas: $4.09

Happy Easter.

On a day celebrated worldwide as one of hope and peace, that hardly seems to apply across the Middle East nor in the heart of President Trump, who is threatening Iran with total obliteration, targeting energy and other critical infrastructure if a ceasefire or "deal" is not agreed to by Monday afternoon. Mr. Trump would do well to heed a bit of biblical learning about what real peace looks like.

With markets closed for Good Friday, the March Non-farm payroll report was issued on April 3rd, showing a gain of 178,000 jobs for the month. With BLS monthly jobs reports, it's important not to focus on a single month at a time because they always are revised and a single month alone is not a trend.

For February, expectations were for +50K, revised to -133K. For March, expectations were for +59K and it's at +178K.

Putting these together, you have +109K expected vs +45K actual. Across the last two months, Health Care & Social Assistance were +62K, meaning the U.S. lost a totla of 17K jobs in the remaining economy. For the last four years, nearly 200% of net full-time jobs were taking care of aging Baby Boomers, indicating anything but growth, more likely the signs of a sick population and even sicker work force.

The Household survey was noisier, but with the labor force dropouts it showed a loss of 249K jobs in the last 2 months and 661K over the past year.

Stocks

Equity markets experienced a relief rally on the false hope that the conflict in the Middle East would be soon resolved. That seems less likely, and even if the war ended today, the damage to the global economy and to oil and gas-producers in the Persian Gulf region already would not be quickly nor easily resolved. Repairs to oil and gas production takes months if not years, depending on the levels of damage. Even the most optimistic among us would likely admit that a quick cessation of hostilities wouldn't produce a meaningful recovery. Rather, any improvements would be spotty and sporadic, affecting emerging nations the most. Wall Street would likely have a different point of view, believing that an end to the Middle East war would green-light ascension back to all-time highs.

That's their job. Makes for poor investment decisions longer term because eventually the market adjusts. Trust in math. Someday, the most irrational markets in centuries will revert to the mean, or worse.

These gains may prove to be insignificant longer term. The Dow, NASDAQ, and S&P indices remain below both their 50-and-200-day moving averages. The NYSE Composite is in between both, and the Dow Transports have snuck above both.

For the Week:
Dow: +1338.03 (+2.96%)
NASDAQ: +930.82 (+4.44%)
S&P 500: +213.84 (+3.36%)
NYSE Composite: +561.36 (+2.59%)
Dow Transports: +913.82 (+5.03%)

Beyond Trump's threats and his ultimate actions, there will be a few economic events of some importance in the week ahead, the most impactful possibly being Friday's CPI report. While inflation isn't exactly top of mind for economists currently, it matters more to people who buy luxuries like food and fuel, so there will be widespread interest, though it's unlikely to spark any major market moves. Putting the release on a Friday is extremely political and devious.

The calendar at Trading View has a deeper dive into global economic events.

Treasury Yield Curve Rates

Date	1 Mo	1.5 mo	2 Mo	3 Mo	4 Mo	6 Mo	1 Yr
02/27/2026	3.74	3.73	3.73	3.67	3.67	3.60	3.48
03/06/2026	3.75	3.74	3.72	3.69	3.67	3.66	3.55
03/13/2026	3.75	3.74	3.71	3.72	3.69	3.70	3.66
03/20/2026	3.73	3.71	3.72	3.74	3.73	3.79	3.80
03/27/2026	3.74	3.73	3.72	3.73	3.72	3.75	3.77
04/03/2026	3.71	3.73	3.73	3.71	3.71	3.73	3.72

Date	2 Yr	3 Yr	5 Yr	7 Yr	10 Yr	20 Yr	30 Yr
02/27/2026	3.38	3.39	3.51	3.72	3.97	4.57	4.64
03/06/2026	3.56	3.59	3.72	3.93	4.15	4.74	4.77
03/13/2026	3.73	3.74	3.87	4.07	4.28	4.89	4.90
03/20/2026	3.88	3.90	4.01	4.20	4.39	4.97	4.96
03/27/2026	3.88	3.94	4.06	4.25	4.44	4.99	4.98
04/03/2026	3.84	3.88	3.99	4.17	4.35	4.91	4.91

Along with stocks, treasuries got a bit of relief for the week, sending 30-year bond yields down seven basis points and yields on 10-year notes down nine. Based entirely on false hope, these yields are not likely to last. The game is seriously rigged in case you haven't noticed. If yields reflected the true condition of U.S. finances, yields would be one to two percent higher (5-6% on 10s and 6-7 on 30s). May actually get there someday, though probably not before President Trump stops insisting that the U.S. is the "hottest" country on the planet. What an ignorant, false assessment.

Spreads:

2s-10s
2026
1/2: +72
1/9: +64
1/16: +65
1/23: +64
1/30: +74
2/6: +72
2/13: +64
2/20: +60
2/27: +59
3/6: +59
3/13: +55
3/20: +51
3/27: +56
4/3: +51

Full Spectrum (30-days - 30-years)
2026
1/2: +114
1/9: +112
1/16: +108
1/23: +104
1/30: +115
2/6: +113
2/13: +97
2/20: +100
2/27: +90
3/6: +102
3/13: +115
3/20: +123
3/27: +124
4/3: +120

Oil/Gas

WTI Crude Oil finished the week at $112.06, the highest in nearly four years (June, 2022, $118.87). Like everything else, it's tied to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and presidential "tweetage." Prices should remain on the volatile side, with higher prices expected near term. Depending on the degree of stupidity and bellicosity displayed by the warring parties, the price of crude oil could skyrocket as high as $200. A quick - and lasting - end to the conflict might take prices down below $90, but that's not a speculation on which many associated with the energy field would bank.

Average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline in the U.S. was $3.94 last Sunday and $4.09 this week. It's likely to remain above $4.00 for some time, possibly many months, though certain politicians would be best served by a reversion back towards $3.25 by fall.

Prices in key states:

California (leader): $5.91 (+0.05)
Washington: $5.39 (+0.09)
Oklahoma (lowest): $3.23 (+0.02)
Florida: $4.19 (+0.35)
Illinois: $4.28 (+0.08)
Pennsylvania: $4.14 (+0.21)
New York: $4.03 (+0.13)
Maryland: $4.07 (+0.08)
Texas: $3.81 (+0.25)
Georgia: $3.69 (+0.14)

As of Sunday, April 5, there are 17 states with average prices above $4.00, and two above $5 (California, Washington), and 31 below the $4 threshold. The Midwest has supplanted the Southeast as the lowest-priced region, with prices averaging 15-20 cents lower in states like South Dakota, Iowa and Kansas than Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi.

Bitcoin

This week: $66,937.81
Last week: $66,408.8668,913.54
2 weeks ago: $68,913.54
6 months ago: $123,857.10
One year ago: $83,332.85
Five years ago: $59,778.52

Bitcoin has been essentially cut in half from its peak in October, 2025 ($124,310.60). "Hodlers" can take comfort in the fact that other crypto "shitcoins" have preformed similarly.

Anybody who bought bitcoin from November 2024 into the present, a period of nearly 18 months, has lost money and lost even more to inflation.

Why don't people point out that as an investment, bitcoin offers no yield or dividend, like stocks or bonds? The usual people who say that about gold and silver, never mention it in terms of bitcoin. Probably a good thing, since bitcoin in no way, shape, or form is similar to gold or silver.

Precious Metals

Gold:Silver Ratio: 64.05; last week: 64.42

Futures, per COMEX continuous contracts:

Gold price 3/6: $5,181.30
Gold price 3/13: $5,023.10
Gold price 3/20: $4,492.00
Gold price 3/27: $4,521.30
Gold price 4/3: $4,702.70

Silver price 3/6: $84.69
Silver price 3/13: $80.64
Silver price 3/20: $67.81
Silver price 3/27: $69.77
Silver price 4/3: $73.17

SPOT:
(stockcharts.com)
Gold 3/6: $5,144.28
Gold 3/13: $5,022.11
Gold 3/20: $4,494.00
Gold 3/27: $4,495.05
Gold 4/3: $4,677.28

Silver 3/6: $84.33
Silver: 3/13: $80.60
Silver 3/20: $67.79
Silver 3/27: $69.77
Silver 4/3: $73.02

Both gold and silver produced solid gains for the week, another possible indication that last week (w/e 3/27) was a significant bottom. The likely condition is that most, if not all, U.S.-based bullion banks had finally exited their short positions and gone long. The COMEX cartel haven clearly taken the lead in price-setting once again, global conditions are ripe for a sstained rally in precious metals, both of which have been manipulated lower in recent weeks.

With the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continuing to be unresolved, the prevailing price-setting mechanism is being shaped by an increasing number of factors, not the least of which being geo-political tensions. This is a period in which holding gold and silver in one's possession may be among the best decisions for all investors, large or small. The levels of insecurity, especially in the West, ave risen significantly since the beginning of the Israel-U.S. assault on Iran which commenced on February 28.

Prices are certain to remain volatile, though there seems to be a nagging impetus back toward reecent all-time highs. Money and one's own well-being have become key focal points over the past month, to a level that even at highly elevated prices from just two years ago, the level of global uncertainty has fomented a large and growing movement into precious metals. This condition should remain intact for years as most indications are suggestive of a multi-year bull market in commodities in general, and precious metals in particular.

Here are the most recent prices for common one ounce gold and silver items sold on eBay (free shipping included, numismatics excluded):

Item/Price	Low	High	Average	Median
1 oz silver coin:	81.00	99.99	88.42	88.00
1 oz silver bar:	79.90	101.39	87.57	86.98
1 oz gold coin:	4828.90	5,018.46	4907.52	4892.14
1 oz gold bar:	4842.90	4828.90	4874.94	4875.92

The Single Ounce Silver Market Price Benchmark (SOSMPB) took a leap forward through Sunday, April 5, to $87.74, a gain of $3.12 from the March 29 price of $84.86 per troy ounce.

WEEKEND WRAP

Markets aren't about to become more rational any time soon. Preparing for the worst while hoping for the best remains the most productive strategy. This is currently one of the more challenging times to make investment decisions. Trimming both winners and losers, moving to cash, precious metals and maybe real estate seems a prudent undertaking.

At the Close, Friday, April 3, 2026:
Dow: 46,504.67, -61.03 (-0.13%)
NASDAQ: 21,879.18, +38.23 (+0.18%)
S&P 500: 6,582.69, +7.37 (+0.11%)
NYSE Composite: 22,193.86, +13.14 (+0.06%)

For the Week:
Dow: +1338.03 (+2.96%)
NASDAQ: +930.82 (+4.44%)
S&P 500: +213.84 (+3.36%)
NYSE Composite: +561.36 (+2.59%)
Dow Transports: +913.82 (+5.03%)

Disclaimer: Information disseminated on this site should not be construed as investment advice. Downtown Magazine Inc., Money Daily and it's owners, affiliates and/or employees are not investment advisors and do not offer specific investment advice. All investments have risk. You should consult a professional investment advisor or stock broker or use your individual judgement when making investment decisions. By viewing this site, you hold harmless Downtown Magazine Inc., Money Daily, its owners, affiliates and employees against any and all liability. Copyright 2026, Downtown Magazine Inc., all rights reserved.

The Bad Clown Show Continues, as Does the War In Iran and the Rigged Casino on Wall Street

Had enough winning yet?

Are you weary of seeing politicians get elected to seats in congress from places like Des Moines, Iowa, or Rochester, New York as middle class earners and returning four, six or eight years later at multi-millionaires?

Are you tired of everybody from the president on down to the local city council lying about everything, all the time?

Have you had your fill of incessant political posturing from governments from local to federal, promising everything and delivering nothing?

Skyrocketing gas prices, food prices at least 40% higher over the last seven years, politicians and their contributors making millions and billions while you wonder how to pay the mortgage, the utility bills, and the taxes are exacting a heavy price on the American psyche. Topping it all off, Americans have been graced with the most ridiculous, out-of-touch and maybe out of his mind president possibly ever in the 250 years of the once great republic.

Consider his post on his very own social media platform, TruthSocial, from yesterday:

Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!! President DJT

First off, it's a lie. Iran has never asked for a ceasefire. But, who talks like this, blasting Iran into oblivion, back to the stone age. It's not very presidential. It's not even remotely civilized. This is not how Americans want their elected officials to speak or act. Americans voted for Donald J. Trump for a variety of reasons. He was, as is usually the case in presidential races, the better of the two candidates presented by the completely corrupt two-party system. Supposedly. He promised plenty, delivered little. Immigration? He closed the border, but how many illegals have actually been deported since January 20, 2025?

600,000, maybe.

Considering that as many as 20 million crossed into the U.S. illegally during the Biden years. Maybe it was only 10 million. Maybe it was five million. Trump, for all the bluster and bragging, has removed somewhere between three and eight percent of the just the most recent illegals. He's failed to keep that promise.

The worst breach of trust comes with the current hostilities in the Middle East. There was no cause to attack Iran other than to protect Israel, who started the war, dragging the U.S. into the fray. Trump promised not to start more "endless" wars, and, since this one is only five weeks old, it's still somewhat embryonic. Judging by Trump's speech on Wednesday night - touting the usual destroyed their navy, destroyed their missile production, etc. - it's not about to end any time soon, with Trump using words like obliterate and annihilate repeatedly, saying the U.S. doesn't need their oil, as if America was the only country that mattered. If the U.S. doesn't need Iranian oil, why is it embroiled in a horrific military struggle? No answer to that. It was difficult to watch.

Just days ago, Trump sounded like he would pursue peace. Markets leapt for joy. After Wednesday night's tired rhetoric, stock futures are pointing lower, WTI crude oil futures are trading above $110/barrel. Stock futures are sliding into oblivion. An hour before the opening bell, Dow futures are down 680 points. NASDAQ futures are down 492. S&P futures are off 108 points. With stocks down, gold and silver are also taking a beating. Silver is down more than six percent, to $69.99. Gold is off 3.6%, $4,584. Makes perfect sense.

All the while, amid the noisy tweets and empty speeches, Trump, his sons, Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessent, and anybody else close to this gang of crooks are making money hand over fist, trading the market as if it were their own little toy and treating the barbarian assaults on Iran and the military hardware and personnel as playthings.

It's absolutely disgusting.

Anyone who has reached a certain age of maturity, say, 40, 50 years of age or beyond, has witnessed a steady parade of sleazy, dishonest presidents, senators and representatives that have seemed to be getting more craven and dirty with each passing election, but this current crop is by far the worst. Their only concerns are grifting money from the government's coffers and getting re-elected. Nothing for the American people. Nothing to stave off the coming collapse of the nation's economy. Nothing but lies, theft, and barbarism.

For those who haven't figured it out yet, Iran is not the enemy, not a problem. The federal government is the problem. Always was. It's just become more obvious these days.

It's pretty depressing.

Thankfully, markets are closed tomorrow for Good Friday. Here's how the major indices have fared this week, through Wednesday's close:

Dow: +1,399
NASDAQ: +892
S&P 500: +206

With apparently nothing better to do this morning, Trump posted this:

Bad, and very boring singer, Bruce Springsteen, who looks like a dried up prune who has suffered greatly from the work of a really bad plastic surgeon, has long had a horrible and incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, sometimes referred to as TDS. The guy is a total loser who spews hate against a President who won a Landslide Election, including the popular vote, all Seven Swing States, and 86% of the Counties across America. Under Sleepy Joe and the Dems, our Country was DEAD, and now we have the “hottest” Country, by far, anywhere in the World. MAGA SHOULD BOYCOTT HIS OVERPRICED CONCERTS, WHICH SUCK. SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. AMERICA IS BACK!!! President DJT

No comment.

Happy Easter.

At the close, Wednesday, April 1, 2026:
Dow: 46,565.74, +224.23 (+0.48%)
NASDAQ: 21,840.95, +250.32 (+1.16%)
S&P 500: 6,575.32, +46.80 (+0.72%)
NYSE Composite: 22,180.72, +91.29 (+0.41%)

April Fools? Did Trump Actually Signal an End to Middle East Aggression or Is This More 6D Chess? Stocks Embrace Peace, for Now

OK, it appears President Trump is ready to declare victory in a war that the U.S. actually lost, and not by a little, by a lot.

The somewhat cloudy objectives of the military assault on Iran - some of which were dreamt up after the bombs and missiles started flaying - were, in no particular rational order, regime change, destruction of Iran's navy and missile capabilities, assuring that Iran will never be able to produce a nuclear weapon, and to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

13 regional military bases, over $5 billion in anti-missile defense technology, two aircraft carriers, countless (because the War Department refuses to tell us) drones, jets, and casualties later, the United States and Israel have accomplished... wait for it...

Destruction of Iran's aging and mostly obsolete navy.

That's it.

If, by regime change, the U.S. intention was to replace the Ayatollah with a governent friendlier to U.S. interests: FAIL

Destroying Iran's missile capabilities: FAIL

Assuring that Iran will never be able to produce a nuclear weapon: FAIL

Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open: FAIL.

The U.S. killed off the only man keeping Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons capability. Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei had issued a fatwa outlawing Iran fro developing a nuclear weapon as far back as the 1990s. Killing him opened the door to more hard-line realists in the government. Iran's missile capabilities have been harmed, no doubt, though most estimates suggest they have been put back by maybe 25-35%. They are still firing off steady rounds of missiles and drones, while making more of them. The Strait of Hormuz has been closed to all traffic except from nations the Iranians consider "friendly."

For all the posturing and posing and actual effort, President Trump can claim all the victories he likes, but the truth of the matter is that Iran kicked the ass of the United States and it's not yet done with doing the same to Israel. And, this was no ordinary ass-kicking. After just the first week, Iran had successfully backed the USS Abraham Lincoln out of theater. Whether it was hit by missiles or not isn't really worth arguing, though it probably was. The point is that Iran forced Trump's "armada" to move out of an area in which it could be operationally effective. Also in the first week, Iran neutralized much of the U.S. and Israel's defensive capabilities and badly damaged all the U.S. bases located in GCC nations, 13 of which the New York Times described as "uninhabitable."

Now, perhaps the statements made by Trump over the weekend and past few days might be a bluff. After all, thousands of U.S. troops and gear are steaming their way towards the Gulf, some having already arrived. People in the Pentagon are still considering a ground attack or taking of Kharg Island, a concept so irredeemably insane that it does not deserve mention. It would accomplish nothing.

Trump's best move with these new troops would be to turn them right around and send them back home or back to whatever outposts they were previously manning, because they're only going to end up as cannon fodder in the Middle East. Somebody, somewhere, caught the President's ear (or the ear of whoever is actually calling the shots) and told him of the ongoing catastrophe and the oncoming onslaught in the midterms if he doesn't change course, and soon.

In the coming days and weeks - and hopefully, not months - expect all manner of banter, back-and-forth posturing, negotiations (some fake, some real), messaging, tweeting, "truthing", finger-pointing, and exclamatory pronouncements from the White House, congress, various leaders of other nations, all part of the unscripted tragedy that has occurred and still remains. One major issue might concern the fate of Israel. If the U.S. departs from the region, as expected, they will likely continue to arm and fund the Israeli offensive, which would be a shame since Iran would then concentrate most of its military might against it, and, just as likely, obliterate it, with ample support of its proxies in the region: Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, militants in Syria and Iraq.

In the end, the most desirable outcome might be a de-militarized Israel with the U.S. gone from the region and unwilling to support Zionist objectives. There is not likely to be a permanent peace in the region, but, at least the levels of atrocious militancy will be abated for some time. The only entity seriously seeking military dominance is Israel, and Iran, should the U.S. diminish its support, will largely complete the job.

As far as stocks and economics are concerned, as witnessed on Tuesday, U.S. equites will go more or less straight up as long as the Trump administration appears to be acting in a more rational manner. Since that is a questionable posture, there are likely to be quite a few gains and losses in huge moves either way. Despite the outsized gains from Tuesday, the major indices are still down sharply from all-time highs and even month-ago levels. Insiders are surely making bank on every move, but the VIX is still elevated, hovering around 25 after a 20% drop Tuesday, assuring further volatility. Generally speaking, a brief peace dividend is not going to eviscerate the multitude of issues facing Western economies.

On the home front in the U.S., ADP reported private sector job growth of 62,000 in the company's March Employment Report. In a somewhat starting reversal of recent trends, small companies (fewer than 20 employees) made the most gains (+112,000). Companies with between 20 and 250 employees shed a combined 53,000 jobs. Companies with 250-499 employees gained 6,000. The largest companies (500+) lost 6,000 jobs.

The off take from those figures suggests that smaller, specialized, "mom and pop" type businesses that were ravaged during the COVID escapade might be staging a comeback at the expense of larger, entrenched firms. That may not be such a good thing for the Apples, Googles, and Amazons of the world, though it might be welcome to the general public. Innovation and specialization skills may take the place of the 9 to 5 grinders. Technology - especially AI - might spur some badly needed entrepreneurship at the local and regional levels. While the old school economy may find itself in a bit of a rut and in need of structural changes, bottom-up start-ups might emerge as winners over coming months and years. Not everybody needs to be connected to mega-cap corporations.

As stocks made major moves upward, oil prices didn't react as favorably as expected. From a high of $106 Monday to a low just below $97, WTI crude oil futures are still trading around $100. Stock futures are expectedly higher, with Dow futures up 203 points, NASDAQ gaining 158, and S&P futures up 30 points.

So far this morning, Trump hasn't tweeted anything significant though there's little doubt about his ability to open mouth and insert foot. Recently, he touted Trump accounts being taken up by four million investors as a positive. These are accounts that are seeded with $1000 of government money, available to - ostensibly, the parents of - children aged 0-18 years of age. Four million takers out of an estimated pool of 72 million (roughly 4 million births each year since 2008, 18 years) is an uptake rate of about 5-6%. Not bad, but hardly something to crow about.

Well, OK, Donnie snuck one in just before Money Daily was about to post:

Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!! President DJT

Then there's this: U.S. Senators Unveil ‘Mined in America Act’ to Reshore BTC Mining, Codify Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the “Mined in America Act” to reshore U.S. bitcoin mining, reduce reliance on Chinese hardware, and codify a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve into law, reminding Americans once again that it's still a clown show in Washington, D.C. and a rigged casino on Wall Street.

At the Close, Tuesday, March 31, 2026:
Dow: 46,341.51, +1,125.37 (+2.49%)
NASDAQ: 21,590.63, +795.99 (+3.83%)
S&P 500: 6,528.52, +184.80 (+2.91%)
NYSE Composite: 22,089.43, +507.78 (+2.35%)

TACO TUESDAY Trump Shamelessly Plays Politics with War, People's Lives, Suggesting Middle East 'Off-Ramp' for United States

Tuesday morning, President Trump posted a couple of videos of massive explosions (supposedly in Iran) and a couple of texts on TruthSocial.

All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil! President DJT

Big day in Iran. Many long sought after targets have been taken out and destroyed by our GREAT MILITARY, the finest and most lethal in the World. God bless you all! President DJT

Wall Street is seemingly interpreting Trump's posts as an indication that the president is not completely insane, and that he sees the need to exit the fight against Iran as essential to his political future. One specific passage - "the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore" - tells the whole story. President TACO is backing away from the conflict, touting some mythical negotiations that are largely taking place only in the president's mind.

Centcom got on board with a press conference by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Centcom Commander Brad Cooper, the tone of which was dramatically less belligerent and chest-thumping than previous announcements and public disclosures. As usual, the military was long on rhetoric and short on details, claiming that "most" of their objectives have been achieved and that it was time for the countries that actually depend on oil and natural gas flowing through the Strait of Hormuz to step up and get it re-opened.

All of this happened after Iran struck a fully-loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in a Dubai port after the U.S. hit the Iranian city of Isfahan, one of the supposed sites holding Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium. The fog of war everyday getting foggier, there's a good chance the U.S. has no idea where Iran's enriched uranium is located, as well as the strike on the fully-loaded tanker being a poorly-conceived false flag carried out by the U.S. or Israel, blaming "the vile, blood-thirsty goat herders" in Iran.

It wouldn't make sense for Iran to strike a tanker far removed from the exit at the Strait while at the same time allowing 20 similarly fully loaded Pakistani tankers free passage. Trump announced the move only yesterday, taking credit for the event by suggesting that the partial opening of the strait was somehow a tribute to the United States and a show of respect by Iran.

Thus, today's strategy of withdrawal has markets keyed up for a big show of positivity. The Trump family, Howard Lutnick and his pals and other insiders are certain to profit from the latest episode of "play the market." The only good that may come of this is that the U.S. may be reconsidering any kind of land invasion, after seeing two of its aircraft carriers - the USS Lincoln and Ford - struck by Iranian missiles, 13 military bases destroyed, the U.S. and other large equity markets buckling, treasury yields spiking along with the price of oil and gas, and Trump's popularity plunging.

It's all politically motivated and the trend for tRepublicans in power is moving in the wrong direction. Pretty ridiculous, having achieved nothing other than making Iran hate the U.S. even more and half of Israel blown to smithereens.

With U.S. markets doe to open within minutes, Dow futures are up 515 points, NASDAQ futures are ahead by 265, and S&P futures are sporting a gain of 75 points.

Happy days? Well, at least a happy morning. After all, it is the last day of the Month and the 1st quarter, markets ripe for some positive window dressing on TACO TUESDAY.

At the Close, Monday, March 30, 2026:
Dow: 45,216.14, +49.50 (+0.11%)
NASDAQ: 20,794.64, -153.72 (-0.73%)
S&P 500: 6,343.72, -25.13 (-0.39%)
NYSE Composite: 21,581.65, -50.84 (-0.24%)