February 4, 2025 Happy Lunar New Year! The Year of the Snake is here. Welcome, transformation and positivity–time to shed all bad energy says those that subscribe to the lunisolar Chinese calendar. With all major indices UP in January, including the bond index–we’re off to a good start! Taking a quick poll: What is your position on investing in China? Most analysts agree that Chinese stocks are far cheaper than US stocks.  Which best describes you? A) I have no issues owning Chinese stocks; BUY! B) I prefer to invest in purely democratic countries, but would be OK investing in China C) I don’t want to invest in China D) I want to invest wherever globally that will offer the highest returns only if it offers better returns than the US Stay tuned—can’t wait to hear your feedback.  PS: Last month I asked what will your time and money show that you VALUE the most in 2025? Its been fun hearing about trips planned, college tours, new office renovations. Seems like time AND money well spent! February 3 For 3: 1: Deep Seek fueled AI Sell Off –the last week of January, the tech world was jolted by a significant sell-off, with Deep Seek’s unexpected revenue miss triggering a wave of selling in AI stocks. Nvidia (NVDA), AMD (AMD), and other AI leaders saw sharp pullbacks as analysts reassessed whether valuations had outpaced reality.The broader market reaction was swift, with tech-heavy indices slipping and investor sentiment shifting. The Wall Street Journal noted, “Panic fueling the selloff of Nvidia, Broadcom and other tech giants is overblown,” but some analysts warn this could be the start of a larger correction. Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz, weighed in on the AI debate, saying: “Like every innovation, you get two reactions. The first reaction is a balance of excitement and anxiety. By reducing a barrier to entry, which AI does in a very powerful manner, people overproduce it and overconsume it.” This highlights the fundamental dilemma facing AI investors—is AI a revolutionary force that will continue delivering exponential growth, or are we witnessing a speculative excess that could deflate just as quickly? Our Take: While the AI-driven future is undeniable, this week’s pullback is a reminder that valuation matters. For long-term investors, this may be an opportunity to accumulate quality AI names at better prices. However, patience is key—volatility is likely to remain as markets digest earnings reports and shifting expectations. We continue to focus on fundamentals over hype and like our underweight to the market AI positions. 2: Who’s Chasing 8% Returns? The Wealthy Are Playing a Different Game For years, retail investors have been told that stocks are the best way to build wealth, aiming for long-term average returns of 7-8%. But the ultra-wealthy are shifting their strategy—moving into private credit, real assets, and alternative investments that provide steady income with less market volatility. With interest rates still elevated, high-yield savings accounts, short-term Treasuries, and private credit funds are offering 5-7% yields—a near risk-free return that challenges traditional stock market wisdom. Why take on the full risk of stocks when fixed-income alternatives are offering competitive returns? BlackRock CEO Larry Fink recently noted, “We’re seeing the biggest transformation of capital markets in decades as investors look beyond traditional equities for income.” This shift is evident in the surge of assets flowing into private credit funds and structured income strategies, previously reserved for institutional players. The Alphavest ApproachWe are actively positioning client portfolios to take advantage of these shifts. Through our strategic partnership with Kate Nevin at TSWS and other leading alternative managers, we are identifying and accessing institutional-grade private credit and alternative income strategies with additional strategic Alphavest30 Collective members like Keith Sauls, and Paula McLelland of Warrick Investment Group, that are typically out of reach for individual investors.      Rather than chasing outdated investment dogma, we are focused on where the best opportunities exist today—whether it’s locking in high-yield cash returns, laddering Treasuries/Structured Notes, or diversifying into alternative credit markets. We recognize that markets evolve, and our responsibility is to ensure our clients are positioned ahead of the curve, not reacting to it. 3: Sink or Swim? I always like to sprinkle in a little Perfect Day juju. Here’s your dose: In the waters surrounding South Korea’s Jeju Island, a remarkable group of women known as the Haenyeo—or “sea women”—have been free-diving to harvest seafood for centuries. What makes their story particularly inspiring is that many of these divers are in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s, proving that age is no barrier to physical endurance, adaptability, or purpose. A recent documentary, The Last of the Sea Women, produced by Malala Yousafzai and directed by Sue Kim, highlights the daily routines of these elder free-diving fisherwomen. Without oxygen tanks, they rely solely on their breath-holding abilities to collect sea urchins, abalone, and other marine life. Their dedication not only sustains their livelihoods but also preserves an endangered cultural tradition that emphasizes environmental stewardship and the power of community. At 90 years old, Jang Soon Duk still dives for hours each day, demonstrating resilience, strength, and an unshakable connection to her craft. These women are not bound by societal expectations of aging; instead, they embody the idea that one’s life’s work, passion, and purpose don’t have an expiration date. Hmmmm. Their story is a testament to human capability—our potential to learn, adapt, and push boundaries at any stage of life. Whether it’s taking on a new challenge, embracing an adventure, or simply refusing to slow down, their example reminds us that the world remains open to those who keep moving toward it. Cheers and happy swimming! Partner with Alphavest! Inquire about Alphavest Partner POINTS for Events, Reviews, and Referrals! Market Update: In January 2025, financial markets have exhibited a mix of resilience and caution amid evolving economic indicators and policy decisions. Equity Markets: The S&P 500 reached its first record high of the year on January 23, closing at 6,052.03, reflecting investor optimism.fool.com However, subsequent sessions have seen increased volatility, particularly in the technology sector, influenced by developments in artificial intelligence and corporate earnings reports.  The Dow/DJIA led the major indices up +4.78% for the month with the S&P 500 up +2.78%, with our overweighted Small Cap Index, the Russell 2000 just a smidge behind at +2.62% for the month. Federal Reserve Policy: On January 29, the Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate within the 4.25%-4.50% range, citing stable economic conditions. Chair Jerome Powell emphasized a patient approach, indicating no immediate plans for rate adjustments as the Fed monitors forthcoming data on inflation and employment.reuters.com Global Economic Indicators: In Europe, preliminary data revealed economic contractions in both Germany and France during the last quarter of 2024, with Germany’s GDP declining by 0.2% and France’s by 0.1%. These downturns precede the European Central Bank’s upcoming interest rate decision, where a 25 basis-point cut is anticipated to stimulate growth.theguardian.com Cryptocurrency Market: Bitcoin has demonstrated notable strength, currently trading at $105,242, marking a 2.85% increase from the previous close. Ethereum follows suit, priced at $3,215.69, up by 2.82%. With regulators getting increasingly more comfortable with regulated forms of Crypto such as those trading as Exchange Traded Funds/ETF; we too, are more comfortable with the idea of a small allocation of a basket of Crypto positions. In December, we added a 5% position of iShares Bitcoin Trust/IBIT to our Alphavest 10 Year Model (+4.55% VS. S&P500 +2.78%). IBIT is up 8.78%  Alphavest’s Perspective: The start of 2025 underscores the importance of a diversified investment strategy. While equity markets have shown both record highs and volatility, stable sectors and alternative assets may offer balance. We continue to monitor global economic developments and central bank policies to inform our investment approach, ensuring alignment with our clients’ financial objectives. In the meanwhile, we are emphasizing material strategic diversification with international, small cap and alternative investments (see #1, above of 3 For 3) while also safeguarding portfolios with additional negotiated Structured Notes, with some offering 100% principal protection with double-digit equity participation potential. Want to know more? Let’s Chat! Alphavest Model Update 2025/YTD and 1 Year: Alphavest Model Update for the year ending 2024: Winners & Losers YTD & 30-day Portfolio Winners: Our patience has paid off with 2 of the stocks on the Winner Board from the Alphavest 10 Year Model (+4.55% VS. S&P500 +2.78%) holdings. NU Holdings, and GE Healthcare both up a whooping +27.8% and  12.94%, respectively, YTD and +53.78% and 20.42% for the last 12 months. They have earned their place on the Winner’s Board–and, ahem, thank you IBM with your impressive 7-day return of +13.75% and a 1 year of +39.23%. “IBM Earnings: Strong AI Backlog and 2025 Guidance Drive Up Shares” Alphavest 10 Year Model +4.55% VS. S&P500 +2.78% Portfolio Losers: YTD Losers: All year-to-date losers boast 3-4 Star rankings by Morningstar and all trade at fair value or a discount to their current price–EXCEPT, Equity Income holding Procter and Gamble/PG with a 2 Star and 16% premium valuation with its current share price of $166. We’re a HOLD with PG and are looking to add to portfolio positions on market pullbacks like the others below that represent attractive risk-to-reward scenarios. NOTE: Despite the fact that 3 of the 5 positions on the Loser’s Board are positions in our Alphavest 10 Year Model, the model is handily outperforming it’s benchmark index/S&P 500 by 1.77% or 63% better this month/YTD (+4.55% VS. S&P500 +2.78%). THIS truly highlights the power of diversification (Thank you, NU, GEHC and IBIT!) Want up-to-date info on all Alphavest’s Investment Models? Events! JOIN US February 19th, 5-7:00PM Charleston Angel Partners Monthly Meeting-Be my guest!  @ Alphavest Offices 75 Port City Landing, Mt. Pleasant, SC  Ever wanted to learn more about “Angel Investing?”–investing in start-up companies? Have a desire to align more of your investment dollars with your core VALUES? Or to invest in the start-up world? Join me anytime–we meet monthly. February 26, 12-1:30 PM (RESCHEDULED DATE) Charleston Regional Development Alliance/CRDA’s Charleston Inspired: Imagine What’s Possible Leadership Luncheon  Be my guest!  For three decades, this region’s leaders have pulled together to strengthen and diversify our economy. From an original ‘recruit more jobs’ mandate to a ‘recruit better jobs’ focus, the results have been profound. The world of tomorrow demands new thinking, new methods, and an innovative mindset. Join CRDA as we introduce the Charleston region’s newest economic development strategy, driven by innovation and centered on unlocking the potential of future generations. Trident Tech Ballroom: 7000 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston (Bldg. 920) February 27, 12:00-1:00 PM Lunch & Learn w/ Kate Nevin @Alphavest Offices 75 Port City Landing, Ste 110, Mt. Pleasant, SC NOTE my mention of Alternatives, above, and how we are bolstering portfolios with use of strategic, unique and hard to access alternative investments and managers. YES! I’d like to RSVP for events above! Cokie Spots Alphavest Aristocrats Model holding Chubb/CB in Mexico City en route to (re-) climb volcanos Ixta and Orizaba….HER Malala version of swimming!…AND reports the pups are treated very well in Mexico CIty—she travelled the streets with dog treats in search of strays and did see one in 11 miles!

As always, sending you a Perfect Day and your best year, yet!

Advisory Services offered through Red Triangle, LLC DBA Alphavest

PS: Reach out to us to test drive a customized Morningstar Report! AND get your Alphavest Altruist LOGIN for easy to to understand account performance tracking! TEXT US TODAY.

Subscribe to this monthly update.

AND–if you enjoyed this 3 For 3, the greatest thank you is a comment here or forward it to a friend (and you’ll rack up some Alphavest Points!)