All things STOCKS

[Go aeiou]

Loved them both. Lots and lots of pizza.

Horrific infrastructure in both places. However, after giving it thought....especially Greece really has life well defined.

USA too materialistic and rush rush rush thru life. Need to chill out, drink wine, and eat lots of olives.

Ha Ha, They call it "the Mediterranean diet". Olive oil is healthy. Greeks have a lot in common with Italians. Good food. Good wine(drink the house wine), good olives.
Olives: I don't think I ate an olive from California for two years after visiting Spain, Italy and Greece. during the harvest.
What you buy in a jar here isn't as good. At least I havn't been able to find any.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Euro vs. USD is all over the place. The first time I traded for travel it was $.88. Several years later $1.31.
The Euro is currently at $1.09
USD and other currencies are sometimes used as a reserve currency, but there are stronger currencies in the world.



This century: The lower the number the better for the USD

I won’t disagree that there is always a stronger currency than the US$ at any point in time, but as far as a safe, long term store of value I don’t believe that anything beats the US$. There are rich countries, but they could easily become politically unstable. Or dependent on one industry. Sure, we have a massive debt load. But we also have a massive left side of the balance sheet and other unrecorded assets. We just need competent politicians that look out for the long term health of the US economy instead of short sighted ones only concerned about winning the next election.

I wonder how many trillions the interstate system alone would be worth. The communication system? The rails and waterways? The privately held assets that generate revenue for governmental bodies? The air transport infrastructure? The manufacturing infrastructure? The greatest agriculture on Earth? The energy reserves on public lands? The citizens holding post graduate degrees? The financial system? The healthcare system? There’s nothing like it in the world.

 

[Go aeiou]

I won’t disagree that there is always a stronger currency than the US$ at any point in time, but as far as a safe, long term store of value I don’t believe that anything beats the US$. There are rich countries, but they could easily become politically unstable. Or dependent on one industry. Sure, we have a massive debt load. But we also have a massive left side of the balance sheet and other unrecorded assets. We just need competent politicians that look out for the long term health of the US economy instead of short sighted ones only concerned about winning the next election.

I wonder how many trillions the interstate system alone would be worth. The communication system? The rails and waterways? The privately held assets that generate revenue for governmental bodies? The air transport infrastructure? The manufacturing infrastructure? The greatest agriculture on Earth? The energy reserves on public lands? The citizens holding post graduate degrees? The financial system? The healthcare system? There’s nothing like it in the world.

They have decent roads, but almost everyone has a smaller car. Some of their trains go 200 mph. Plenty of airports, and flights are reasonable. Public transportation is far better there.
Not sure what you mean by "communication system"? My cell phone worked over there.
We are ahead ag wise if you don't mind eating food that looks good and ships good, but has no flavor.
Healthcare here is great if you are insured. Not so good otherwise. Everyone has healthcare in the EU. I have a friend who had to go to the hospital in France when she injured her eye. A Dr. was in the ambulance, and her stay in the hospital cost $0.00
Waterways: They have more miles of navigable waterways.
We excel at both ends of education, poorly educated and well educated.

Agree, Politicians are out for themselves.

In the end I suspect you could give reasons all day why one is better than the other.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

They have decent roads, but almost everyone has a smaller car. Some of their trains go 200 mph. Plenty of airports, and flights are reasonable. Public transportation is far better there.
Not sure what you mean by "communication system"? My cell phone worked over there.
We are ahead ag wise if you don't mind eating food that looks good and ships good, but has no flavor.
Healthcare here is great if you are insured. Not so good otherwise. Everyone has healthcare in the EU. I have a friend who had to go to the hospital in France when she injured her eye. A Dr. was in the ambulance, and her stay in the hospital cost $0.00
Waterways: They have more miles of navigable waterways.
We excel at both ends of education, poorly educated and well educated.

In the end I suspect you could give reasons all day why one is better than the other.

Europe isn’t a country and globalism is in decline.

I was comparing the US to the world. Our communication system reaches every bit of the population and often with great redundancy. We dominate with the satellite space print. Western Europe has better commuter options, but it in on a smaller geographical footprint and is shared by a couple dozen countries. Try riding a train from the west to Eastern Europe. Getting east of Poland is going to present some challenges.

There’s also a much more diversified energy mix in the US. Our waterways reach into the heart of our country, especially into the agricultural center. Plus we have ports on TWO oceans and the gulf. It’s not simply about navigable miles. Pipelines are also transportation systems.

Agriculture domination is about producing a huge surplus of calories. Not about fancy, snobbish meals. But if you want to compare that luxury, Americans eat a lot of steak. And not just the elite.

US healthcare leads the world. By far. Drug and device development is unmatched although Israel does well on a per capita basis. As far as healthcare costs, that’s simply a different method of funding. THEY pay more taxes which is why their socialized medicine is cheaper for the sick and injured. Add it all up and the cost per citizen is about equal.

The US economy and the US$ is peerless.

 

[Firebirdparts]

you’re not being honest about the total cost of health care. It is what it is. I would encourage everybody to look at the actual information out there on total spent.

we spend 3x per capita. The reasons are that people in the states choose to be a lot sicker, our doctors are richer and drug salesman a very good deal richer than a doctor. honestly, Americans look like pure hell. It’s disgusting as much as I hate to say it.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

you’re not being honest about the total cost of health care. It is what it is. I would encourage everybody to look at the actual information out there on total spent.

we spend 3x per capita. The reasons are that people in the states choose to be a lot sicker, our doctors are richer and drug salesman a very good deal richer than a doctor. honestly, Americans look like pure hell. It’s disgusting as much as I hate to say it.

We have the Cadillac of healthcare. Others are Yugos.

The financials of US healthcare could be improved. But the actual care is as good as it gets. And much of the cost is on our government reps not making better deals with drug suppliers and other companies. Medicare is wasteful. Insurance companies operate on cost plus - they get more as the whole pie grows. Politicians like Trump would go after Big Pharma. He needed a 2nd term for that alone. Those elected to Congress legally line their pockets with millions from drug company lobbyists. Not much incentive there to reform the financial side. And do other countries allow their healthcare providers to be raped by lawyers? Legal is another industry with huge political pull. And lawyers are a much over represented profession of members of Congress.

How much less would US healthcare cost be if those at the bottom of the economic spectrum were better managed instead of walking into any ER with any health problem and having to be treated?

But the original point is that the US$ is the best currency to own and even with the $31.5 trillion debt, there is tremendous value in the assets within this system. It’s not a debate over whose is the biggest or best.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

Futures slightly negative ATM. More flattish than negative.

Bitcoin is barely lower (last 24 hours).

10am: Leading economic indicators (December)

 

[Jax_Vol]

We have the Cadillac of healthcare. Others are Yugos.

The financials of US healthcare could be improved. But the actual care is as good as it gets. And much of the cost is on our government reps not making better deals with drug suppliers and other companies. Medicare is wasteful. Insurance companies operate on cost plus - they get more as the whole pie grows. Politicians like Trump would go after Big Pharma. He needed a 2nd term for that alone. Those elected to Congress legally line their pockets with millions from drug company lobbyists. Not much incentive there to reform the financial side. And do other countries allow their healthcare providers to be raped by lawyers? Legal is another industry with huge political pull. And lawyers are a much over represented profession of members of Congress.

How much less would US healthcare cost be if those at the bottom of the economic spectrum were better managed instead of walking into any ER with any health problem and having to be treated?

But the original point is that the US$ is the best currency to own and even with the $31.5 trillion debt, there is tremendous value in the assets within this system. It’s not a debate over whose is the biggest or best.

USA health care system would be greatly improved if we can vastly reduce obesity across the lands. Luckily, we now have a new miracle drug that cuts 20% of your tonnage with no exercise.

Ozempic For Weight Loss: Risks And Side Effects – Forbes Health

Novo Nordisk A/S – Share repurchase programme



Bagsværd, Denmark, 23 January 2023 – On 4 November 2022, Novo Nordisk initiated a share repurchase programme in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (the "Safe Harbour Rules"). This programme is part of the overall share repurchase programme of up to DKK 24 billion to be executed during a 12-month period beginning 2 February 2022.



Under the programme initiated 4 November 2022, Novo Nordisk will repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 3.8 billion in the period from 7 November 2022 to 30 January 2023.



Since the announcement of the programme, the following transactions have been made:



Number of
B shares Average
purchase price Transaction
value, DKK Accumulated, last announcement 3,439,265 3,046,124,188 16 January 2023 75,000 953.10 71,482,811 17 January 2023 75,000 958.73 71,905,115 18 January 2023 75,000 959.10 71,932,215 19 January 2023 75,000 963.27 72,245,468 20 January 2023 75,000 964.91 72,368,320 Accumulated under the programme 3,814,265 3,406,058,116

 

[Go aeiou]

USA health care system would be greatly improved if we can vastly reduce obesity across the lands. Luckily, we now have a new miracle drug that cuts 20% of your tonnage with no exercise.

Ozempic For Weight Loss: Risks And Side Effects – Forbes Health

Novo Nordisk A/S – Share repurchase programme



Bagsværd, Denmark, 23 January 2023 – On 4 November 2022, Novo Nordisk initiated a share repurchase programme in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (the "Safe Harbour Rules"). This programme is part of the overall share repurchase programme of up to DKK 24 billion to be executed during a 12-month period beginning 2 February 2022.



Under the programme initiated 4 November 2022, Novo Nordisk will repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 3.8 billion in the period from 7 November 2022 to 30 January 2023.



Since the announcement of the programme, the following transactions have been made:



Number of
B shares Average
purchase price Transaction
value, DKK Accumulated, last announcement 3,439,265 3,046,124,188 16 January 2023 75,000 953.10 71,482,811 17 January 2023 75,000 958.73 71,905,115 18 January 2023 75,000 959.10 71,932,215 19 January 2023 75,000 963.27 72,245,468 20 January 2023 75,000 964.91 72,368,320 Accumulated under the programme 3,814,265 3,406,058,116

Poor diets, couch potatoes. That pretty much defines us. OTOH, when I was a child we played outside and roamed everywhere. I had to be home by supper time. If you let your kids do that today you might get charged with child neglect.
Ozempic is $900 for one injection if not covered by health insurance. Monthly?
Do you know if other cheaper diabetes drugs will work for weight loss?
The morbidly obese might be out of luck since many are unable to work.

 

[Firebirdparts]

I think some of them will find a way to fight off the effects of any weight loss drugs.

 

[Firebirdparts]

Micron going nuts today.

 

[Jax_Vol]

Poor diets, couch potatoes. That pretty much defines us. OTOH, when I was a child we played outside and roamed everywhere. I had to be home by supper time. If you let your kids do that today you might get charged with child neglect.
Ozempic is $900 for one injection if not covered by health insurance. Monthly?
Do you know if other cheaper diabetes drugs will work for weight loss?
The morbidly obese might be out of luck since many are unable to work.

I think there are five currently available in the USA market. The pharmacies are having extreme trouble keeping the products in stock. Demand far exceeds supply. Several issues:
1. Due to the cost, yes...sadly in general, poor people will remain fat.
2. Ozempic is $900 for eight injections. You take one shot per week for eight weeks. So, it is $900 for a two month supply. Personally, I think people will pay $100/week to lose 20% of existing weight. Rather than being 'fat cats', wealthy people will be thinner than poor. An odd turn of events.
3. In addition to Ozempic, there is Mounjaro, Trulicity, Saxenda, Wegovy. All are made by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lily. I think that accounts for 95% of the market with another fringe player or two trying to gain a foot-hole. I found one of those for $300/month with a savings card and no insurance.
4. One significant issue is the weight loss people are buying the medicines. Them, the people who truly have diabetes Type 2 can't find their refills.
5. Hopefully, both companies are rapidly increasing production to satisfy all demand.

The LLY stock is probably worth some DD. They have so much going on, it is hard for me to tell if they are winning or losing. I prefer to support USA companies. In this case, NVO seems more tightly focused on this particular issue. Somewhere between 95-95% of their work is aimed at diabetes and obesity. Their other trials only account for 2-3% of their work.

 

[Jax_Vol]

QQQ up 1.4%

What the heck? Is big tech back in da house?

 

[Velo Vol]

 

[Velo Vol]

Getting a bit pricey, no?

 

[Go aeiou]

I think there are five currently available in the USA market. The pharmacies are having extreme trouble keeping the products in stock. Demand far exceeds supply. Several issues:
1. Due to the cost, yes...sadly in general, poor people will remain fat.
2. Ozempic is $900 for eight injections. You take one shot per week for eight weeks. So, it is $900 for a two month supply. Personally, I think people will pay $100/week to lose 20% of existing weight. Rather than being 'fat cats', wealthy people will be thinner than poor. An odd turn of events.
3. In addition to Ozempic, there is Mounjaro, Trulicity, Saxenda, Wegovy. All are made by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lily. I think that accounts for 95% of the market with another fringe player or two trying to gain a foot-hole. I found one of those for $300/month with a savings card and no insurance.
4. One significant issue is the weight loss people are buying the medicines. Them, the people who truly have diabetes Type 2 canproduction lines't find their refills.
5. Hopefully, both companies are rapidly increasing production to satisfy all demand.

The LLY stock is probably worth some DD. They have so much going on, it is hard for me to tell if they are winning or losing. I prefer to support USA companies. In this case, NVO seems more tightly focused on this particular issue. Somewhere between 95-95% of their work is aimed at diabetes and obesity. Their other trials only account for 2-3% of their work.

# 4 is concerning. Do you know if this is a problem with lack of raw materials or lack of production facilities?

 

[ndubvols]

USA health care system would be greatly improved if we can vastly reduce obesity across the lands. Luckily, we now have a new miracle drug that cuts 20% of your tonnage with no exercise.

Ozempic For Weight Loss: Risks And Side Effects – Forbes Health

Novo Nordisk A/S – Share repurchase programme



Bagsværd, Denmark, 23 January 2023 – On 4 November 2022, Novo Nordisk initiated a share repurchase programme in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (the "Safe Harbour Rules"). This programme is part of the overall share repurchase programme of up to DKK 24 billion to be executed during a 12-month period beginning 2 February 2022.



Under the programme initiated 4 November 2022, Novo Nordisk will repurchase B shares for an amount up to DKK 3.8 billion in the period from 7 November 2022 to 30 January 2023.



Since the announcement of the programme, the following transactions have been made:



Number of
B shares Average
purchase price Transaction
value, DKK Accumulated, last announcement 3,439,265 3,046,124,188 16 January 2023 75,000 953.10 71,482,811 17 January 2023 75,000 958.73 71,905,115 18 January 2023 75,000 959.10 71,932,215 19 January 2023 75,000 963.27 72,245,468 20 January 2023 75,000 964.91 72,368,320 Accumulated under the programme 3,814,265 3,406,058,116

Looks like it works for weight loss which may solve a few of the health issues overweight/obese people face, but find it hard to believe it’ll cure the bulk of the issues without any lifestyle change.

Not an expert by any means though.

 

[Jax_Vol]

# 4 is concerning. Do you know if this is a problem with lack of raw materials or lack of production facilities?

For Novo Nordisk, they use a publicly traded company named Catalent to fill their syringes. As I recall, at a primary Wegovy / Ozempic production facility in Spain, Catalent had to twice temporarily cease manufacturing following reports of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) problems.

 

[Jax_Vol]

Looks like it works for weight loss which may solve a few of the health issues overweight/obese people face, but find it hard to believe it’ll cure the bulk of the issues without any lifestyle change.

Not an expert by any means though.

I know 4-5 of them thru family, church, work...all males between ages 50-65 with desk jobs. All agree...it somehow kills your appetite. All are eating the same foods as before (mostly whatever wife makes), but the portion sizes end up being smaller. They eat half a plate, and the stomach tells brain it is full.

Then, once you lose 30-50 pounds, they do feel more like getting off sofa for more movement.

Some added no exercise early; a couple tried more moderate activity like walking. The walkers lost weight at a faster rate.

 

[Majors]

NVDA off to a fast start this year. Good buy for those that got in last October.

 

[Vol737]

Loved them both. Lots and lots of pizza.

Horrific infrastructure in both places. However, after giving it thought....especially Greece really has life well defined.

USA too materialistic and rush rush rush thru life. Need to chill out, drink wine, and eat lots of olives.

Couldn't agree more. Less is more as far as my wife and I are concerned, but we still live a very nice life. It's easy to do if you're not caught up in all the material things of this world. Prefer to spend money on experiences. I will have to say I love the high speed trains in Italy.

 

[Vol737]

QQQ up 1.4%

What the heck? Is big tech back in da house?

Wall Street likes the layoffs. Last I saw, something around the 50,000 number across big tech, maybe more. Cutting costs and getting streamlined again in operations.....till the next bull market and then get fat again. Started wading back into tech late last year. AMZN, SHOP, AAPL. Popped the last couple of days. I'll be hanging on to these for the next 10 years.

 

[Jax_Vol]

Couldn't agree more. Less is more as far as my wife and I are concerned, but we still live a very nice life. It's easy to do if you're not caught up in all the material things of this world. Prefer to spend money on experiences. I will have to say I love the high speed trains in Italy.

In Italy, we stayed four nights in Naples. We have been to northern Italy on a previous trip. Saving Rome for the future.

Inter-city traffic in Naples was horrible. But, guess we could say the same for Nashville.

 

[Jax_Vol]

Is this a fake dive, or a dive-dive?

 

[Go aeiou]

In Italy, we stayed four nights in Naples. We have been to northern Italy on a previous trip. Saving Rome for the future.

Inter-city traffic in Naples was horrible. But, guess we could say the same for Nashville.

We were in Naples in March/April. Had a 4-6 year old kid who tried to pick pocket me. There was a guy making a scultpure of a dog on the sidewalk. I stopped to look and take a picture and the kid and his mother were standing there. Next thing I knew I felt him trying to slide my wallet from my front pocket. He acted like he had just bumped into me.
I usually wear a pouch under my clothing with bills, id, etc.

You'll love Rome.