October 9, 2025

Happy Thursday, everyone! 🌤️

Good morning! I hope you’re stepping into the day with energy (and maybe a strong cup of coffee in hand ☕). Thursdays always feel like the moment before momentum — you’re close enough to the weekend to feel it, but there’s still time to make meaningful moves.

Speaking of meaningful moves, here’s a thought: in a world where the economy can shift overnight, how do you protect and grow what you’ve worked so hard for? It’s not just about making money — it’s about keeping it safe, making it work for you, and staying calm while everyone else panics. 💡

Today’s post dives into how to protect and grow your capital in a changing economy — practical steps to stay steady when markets get shaky, and to position yourself to thrive while others are just surviving.

So take a deep breath, stay focused, and remember: real wealth isn’t built in calm times — it’s built by staying smart when things get unpredictable. 🌱

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

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— Maya Angelou

Market Update: The Nasdaq lit up the scoreboard, rising +1.12% to $23,043.38, while the S&P 500 followed suit with a +0.58% boost to $6,753.72. The Dow Jones? Well, it decided to take the day off — holding flat at $46,601.78, not moving an inch.

Crypto came out swinging! 💎 Bitcoin surged +1.47% to $123,198.30, and Ethereum joined the rally with a solid +1.29% climb to $4,508.71. The digital gold rush continues as both coins flex their muscles.

Speaking of shine — Gold added +1.44% to $4,062.20, and Silver sparkled brightest with a +1.82% jump to $48.42, proving that the metals market still knows how to dazzle.

But the day’s real star? 🌟 CoreWeave, which skyrocketed a massive +8.65% to $139.99 — easily the MVP of the market. On the flip side, Disney lost a bit of its magic, dipping -0.57% to $111.89, perhaps weighed down by some investor concerns.

📈 Market Vibe: Risk-on energy is back! Tech and crypto are leading the charge, metals are glittering, and a few household names are catching their breath. It’s the kind of day that makes traders smile — unless they’re holding Disney stock. 🎢

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Macron expected to appoint new French prime minister within 48 hours
French President Emmanuel Macron may announce his next prime minister soon as he seeks to stabilize his government after political turbulence. The new PM will be tasked with rebuilding public confidence and navigating domestic unrest. Analysts say Macron’s choice could shape France’s political tone heading into 2026.

Trump anticipates Gaza ceasefire deal, may travel to Egypt for signing
Donald Trump expects a Gaza peace deal could be finalized soon, with Egypt serving as the signing location. Sources suggest the framework involves regional security guarantees and humanitarian provisions. The visit, if confirmed, would mark a high-profile diplomatic moment ahead of U.S. elections.

South Sudan “love triangle” dispute leaves at least 14 soldiers dead
A deadly confrontation within South Sudan’s army has claimed at least 14 lives. Authorities describe the clash as sparked by a personal dispute that escalated into widespread violence. The incident underscores persistent instability within the country’s armed forces.

Ohio soybean farmers reeling as tariffs squeeze exports and profits
Midwestern farmers are struggling under renewed trade tensions. Trump’s new tariffs have slashed soybean sales abroad, leaving warehouses full and cash flow thin. Agricultural groups are pressing for relief measures before harvest season peaks.

IMF chief warns of uncertainty, urges nations to stabilize economies
At a recent forum, the IMF’s managing director cautioned that global growth remains fragile amid inflation and geopolitical strain. She urged governments to prioritize fiscal discipline and sustainable investment. The message highlights worries that major economies may not be ready for another shock.

Mexico braces for U.S. tariff threat on $15B in truck exports
Mexico faces fresh tariff risks on cross-border freight shipments. The proposed measures could hit the auto and logistics sectors hardest, with ripple effects across North America. Trade officials are pushing urgent talks to avoid escalation.

Gold outshines Bitcoin, but crypto markets await bullish catalyst
Gold’s surge has overshadowed Bitcoin’s performance as investors flock to traditional safe havens. However, analysts point to upcoming regulatory approvals and ETF inflows as potential crypto tailwinds. Many believe Bitcoin could rebound once risk appetite returns.

Square debuts AI-powered voice ordering and integrated Bitcoin payments
Fintech firm Square is rolling out an AI voice ordering system tied directly to its Bitcoin payment features. The update blends automation with crypto commerce, aimed at small businesses. It signals a growing convergence of AI and blockchain in retail technology.

Walmart’s OnePay expands into crypto; Lloyds leverages tech for cash efficiency
Walmart’s OnePay platform now integrates crypto payment functionality, offering faster and more flexible checkout options. Lloyds Bank is also using automation tools to streamline cash management. Both moves highlight how traditional finance is adapting to digital currency innovations.

Disney boosts ticket prices for U.S. theme parks again
Disney World and Disneyland will see ticket price hikes this season. The company cites inflation and infrastructure costs, though guests are frustrated by rising vacation expenses. Analysts say Disney’s pricing strategy bets on strong post-pandemic demand to offset declines in attendance.

Guest dies after medical emergency on Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ride
A visitor suffered a fatal medical episode while riding the Haunted Mansion attraction. Park officials immediately closed the ride and called emergency responders. The tragic incident has prompted Disney to review on-site medical readiness.

Zootopia-themed Disney Vacation Club previews draw positive reactions
Early guests at Disney’s Zootopia DVC preview praised the immersive set design and character integration. The expansion aims to blend storytelling with interactive attractions. Insiders say it’s part of Disney’s broader effort to reinvigorate park experiences with fresh IP.

Tesla’s cheaper EV models draw lukewarm reactions from reviewers
Tesla’s newly released lower-priced vehicles have hit the market—but reactions are mixed. While affordability improves accessibility, early testers say build quality and features lag behind expectations. The muted response could test Tesla’s brand dominance in the expanding EV field.

Gold prices hit record highs amid growing investor anxiety
Gold’s rally has extended as global tensions and inflation fears drive safe-haven demand. Analysts point to central bank buying and currency volatility as catalysts. The metal’s run underscores a shift toward defensive asset positioning.

GM ends $7,500 EV tax credit but unveils new discount strategy
General Motors is discontinuing its direct federal tax credit program but offering competitive dealer discounts instead. The move aims to keep EV prices attractive while simplifying consumer incentives. Analysts say it could pressure rivals to follow suit as the market matures.

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If you’ve been paying attention lately, you’ve probably noticed something: the economy doesn’t “behave” like it used to.
Rates are higher, debt is more expensive, and market volatility feels like the new normal.

And that’s exactly why this is the perfect time to learn how to protect and grow your capital intelligently — without gambling or guessing.

Because building wealth isn’t just about making money — it’s about keeping it, multiplying it, and positioning it safely for the next 10 years.

Here’s how to think about that.

The first rule of smart wealth building is simple: never get caught without liquidity.

In any market, cash buys flexibility.

It lets you:

But here’s the nuance:
Too much cash is just slow erosion. Inflation eats away at it.

The sweet spot?

Cash is your safety net — not your growth engine.

When the market’s up, everyone feels like a genius.
When it’s down, everyone wants to run for the hills.

Smart investors ignore both extremes.

Instead of reacting, they allocate based on risk exposure — not market mood.

A simple approach that works at almost any income level:

This balance gives you growth without fragility.

The key is flexibility — rebalancing once or twice a year and adjusting as your goals evolve.

Debt isn’t the enemy. Misused debt is.

Used correctly, leverage accelerates wealth creation — especially when the borrowed money buys cash-flowing or appreciating assets.

Ask yourself before taking on any debt:

“Will this debt increase my future cash flow or my lifestyle?”

If it’s the latter, you’re just renting tomorrow’s comfort at today’s cost.

Examples of productive debt:

Examples of unproductive debt:

Use leverage to grow, not to feel richer.

The wealthy don’t think in terms of “How much can I make?”
They think, “How much can I lose — and still be fine?”

That’s risk management in one line.

You don’t need to be paranoid, but you do need to:

One financial shock shouldn’t erase years of work.
If it can, you’re playing offense without defense.

Think of your money like employees.
Some should work daily, some strategically, and some long-term.

For example:

Each layer serves a different purpose. Together, they create a resilient portfolio that earns income, compounds value, and withstands shocks.

You don’t need to be a financial expert — but you do need to understand what your money is doing.

You’d be shocked how many people invest for years without ever learning how the thing actually works.

Before you invest in anything, make sure you can clearly explain it to someone else in one sentence.

If you can’t, you’re not investing — you’re speculating blindly.

And that never ends well.

Finally — never stop learning.

The ROI on improving your financial literacy is absurdly high.

Every book, podcast, conversation, or course that deepens your understanding of capital allocation makes you more dangerous (in a good way).

You’ll start recognizing opportunities others miss. You’ll see traps before you step into them.
And you’ll build wealth that doesn’t rely on luck or timing.

Bottom line:
Building and protecting capital isn’t about being smarter — it’s about being more intentional.
You don’t need to predict the market. You just need to prepare for it.

Focus on liquidity, balance, risk management, and understanding — and you’ll be in the top 5% of investors and business owners who actually sleep well and build real wealth over time.

Why did the economist bring a ladder to work?
Because the markets were looking up! 📈😆

In 2007, the Dow Jones hit a record high of 14,164.53 before the 2008 crash. It was the calm before the economic storm — a classic example of how booms breed bubbles.

In 2020, a company sold “pet rocks” for $25 each… and made millions. The kicker? The rocks came in cardboard boxes with breathing holes. 🪨💸

Would you rather…
💼 Have the ability to see 10 years into market trends
OR
🧠 Have the power to predict one major innovation each decade?