December 31, 2025

Happy Wednesday, everyone — and Happy New Year’s Eve! 🎉
Good morning — hope today feels calm, thoughtful, and full of that “fresh start” energy.

Here’s a question to end the year with: Have you ever felt that something was off… before you could actually prove it?
Great investors and business owners don’t just watch numbers — they notice the signals underneath them.

That’s exactly what today’s post explores: how to spot when a company or business is quietly getting weaker before the headlines or financials catch up.

As we head into a new year, sharper awareness is one of the most valuable skills you can have.
Let’s carry that clarity forward into what’s next. ✨

— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.

— Richard Branson

Market Update: Markets drifted slightly lower today as all three major indices dipped into the red. The Nasdaq slipped 0.24%, the S&P 500 edged down 0.14%, and the Dow Jones eased 0.20%. Not a dramatic sell-off—more like the market collectively hitting the snooze button.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin woke up with energy, jumping 1.34% and keeping its uptrend intact. Gold added a modest 0.20%, but the real star of the day was Silver, surging 7.88%—a breakout move that turned plenty of heads.

In equities, Roblox ticked up 0.36%, and AT&T posted a small but steady 0.12% gain. Tesla, however, couldn’t catch traction and slid 1.13%, continuing a choppy stretch for the EV giant.

Overall, the broader market cooled off, but precious metals and select growth names brought some spark to an otherwise muted trading day.

The Trump Administration’s Most Paralyzing Blow to Science
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How abortion rights in the US have changed since the 2024 election
In the year following the election, several states have enacted sharply different abortion laws, widening the national divide. Some regions expanded access, while others imposed near-total bans. Advocates on both sides say the issue has become more polarized than ever. The shifting landscape is prompting legal battles likely to reach federal courts.

Despair for would-be US citizens as American dream blocked by Trump
Tightened immigration policies have left thousands of applicants in limbo, facing longer waits and stricter criteria. Families say the new hurdles make the path to citizenship feel increasingly unattainable. Officials maintain the measures are necessary to strengthen national security. The changes have sparked renewed debate over America’s role as a destination for newcomers.

Full Moon January 2026: Exactly When To See a ‘Wolf Supermoon’ Rise
Skywatchers are preparing for a striking supermoon that will appear larger and brighter than usual. The event is expected to draw widespread attention as it kicks off a busy year of celestial activity. Experts recommend finding clear horizons for the best view. It’s one of several notable lunar moments scheduled for early 2026.

Artemis 2 moon astronauts rehearse for launch day (photos)
The Artemis 2 crew ran through a full launch-day simulation, testing suits, procedures, and communications. The exercise marks another milestone toward NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in decades. Engineers say the rehearsal helps identify small adjustments before final training. Excitement continues to build as the mission timeline firms up.

The year’s first meteor shower and supermoon clash in January skies
Astronomers say early January will bring a rare overlap of a meteor shower and a supermoon, promising a dramatic but challenging view. The moon’s brightness may wash out some meteors, but peak activity should still offer a memorable show. Observers in dark areas will have the best chance at catching both. It's expected to kick off 2026’s astronomy calendar with a flourish.

Disney to pay $10m over alleged children’s privacy law violations
Disney has agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement after allegations it mishandled children’s data across several digital platforms. The agreement includes new compliance measures aimed at strengthening user protections. The company says it remains committed to improving safety standards. Regulators view the settlement as a warning to the wider industry.

Meta to buy Manus, an AI startup with Chinese roots
Meta is set to acquire Manus in a bid to accelerate development of next-generation AI tools. The startup’s technology is expected to boost Meta’s productivity and personalization features across its platforms. The move highlights fierce competition among tech giants for emerging AI talent. Analysts say it could signal a new wave of strategic acquisitions.

These restaurant chains closed locations in 2025
A turbulent year for dining has led several major chains to shutter underperforming stores. Higher operating costs and shifting consumer habits contributed to the closures. Industry analysts say brands are consolidating to focus on more profitable regions. Despite the pullback, new concepts and digital expansion remain bright spots for 2026.

Most people think financial trouble shows up in earnings reports.

In reality, by the time numbers look bad, the damage already happened months—or years—earlier.

Experienced operators, investors, and executives don’t wait for financial statements to tell them something is wrong. They watch behavioral and operational signals that appear long before revenue declines.

This article shows you what those signals are and how to spot them in real life—whether you’re:

No theory. These are observable, practical indicators.

One of the earliest signs of internal trouble is when decisions that used to take days start taking weeks.

This happens when:

You’ll notice more meetings, more approvals, more “let’s circle back,” and fewer decisive actions.

Healthy organizations move fast even when wrong.
Weakening organizations move slow because everyone is afraid of being blamed.

Major cost cuts are normal during downturns.

But obsession with small expenses is a warning sign.

Examples:

Strong businesses cut strategically.
Weak businesses cut reactively—and usually in the wrong places.

This often signals cash pressure that leadership doesn’t want to openly admit yet.

This one is subtle but extremely reliable.

Watch for:

Good companies attract talent even during tough times.
Weakening companies struggle to keep it—and eventually stop trying.

Once talent quality drops, recovery becomes exponentially harder.

Healthy businesses want feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Weakening businesses:

If a company stops being curious about its customers, it’s usually because leadership already knows things aren’t improving—and doesn’t want confirmation.

This is especially visible in SaaS, service businesses, and consumer brands.

When organizations start obsessing over:

it often means long-term confidence is gone.

Strong companies are willing to sacrifice short-term numbers for durable growth.
Weak companies chase numbers to reassure themselves.

Pay attention to how leadership communicates.

Warning signs:

Clear communication is confidence.
Vagueness is usually fear or uncertainty.

This is one of the clearest signals that leadership is reacting rather than steering.

Watch where attention shifts.

When a company:

it often means the core business isn’t performing as expected.

Diversification should be intentional.
Desperation diversification is chaotic.

This isn’t about predicting collapse.
It’s about positioning yourself early.

If you’re an employee:

If you’re an investor:

If you’re a business owner:

If you’re considering a partnership or acquisition:

Financial statements tell you what already happened.

Behavior tells you what’s about to happen.

People who learn to read behavior—inside companies, not just spreadsheets—make better decisions, earlier, and with far less risk.

That skill compounds quietly over time.