Welcome to Viewpoints, a monthly bulletin from PDS Planning to our valued clients and friends.  Our goal with each issue of Viewpoints is to provide you with a wide variety of perspectives on life and wealth.  Feel free to share with others.

Economic, Investment, and Other News Bits

• China Gamers: Earlier this month, China imposed strict new measures to limit video games for minors, those under 18. No online videogames during the school week, and only 1 hour a day on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays. This in an effort to curb what authorities describe as youth videogame addiction. Fortunately from Chinese video game companies, much of their revenue is earned above this age group. (Source: WSJ)

• Biggest Fish in the Sea: In July, Facebook became just the 6^th company, and youngest, to reach a market capitalization (total value) of over $1 trillion. Apple and Microsoft still hold a healthy lead when it comes to largest company, with values of $2.55 trillion and $2.26 trillion, respectively. Who could be next? (Source: VisualCapitalist)

• Federal Covid Announcements: Later today, President Biden plans to mandate covid vaccinations for all federal employees in an effort to contain the recent outbreak – a decision that would impact nearly 2.1 million workers. (Source: MarketWatch)

• Tapering in 2021: Despite the recent slowdown in job growth, the Fed still anticipates beginning to taper their bond buying this year. Slowing down the rate at which they are buying bonds leads to a less accommodative market, usually leading to increasing interest rates. Remember, bond buyers are considered lenders while bond sellers are considered borrowers. (Source: Reuters/Investopedia)

Thought of the Month

When asked the question, “How would you have lived your life differently if you had a chance?”, 85 year old Nadine Stair of Louisville, Kentucky said this…

“If I had my life to live over again, I’d dare to make more mistakes next time. I’d relax. I’d limber up. I’d be sillier than I’ve been this trip. I would take fewer things seriously. I would take more chances, I would eat more ice cream and less beans.

I would, perhaps, have more actual troubles but fewer imaginary ones. You see, I’m one of those people who was sensible and sane, hour after hour, day after day.

Oh, I’ve had my moments. If I had to do it over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else—just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I’ve been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I could do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had to live my life over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances, I would ride more merry-go-rounds, I would pick more daisies.”

Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment, strategy, or product or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this newsletter, will be suitable for your individual situation, or prove successful. This material is distributed by PDS Planning, Inc. and is for information purposes only.  Although information has been obtained from and is based upon sources PDS Planning believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy.  It is provided with the understanding that no fiduciary relationship exists because of this report.  Opinions expressed in this report are not necessarily the opinions of PDS Planning and are subject to change without notice.  PDS Planning assumes no liability for the interpretation or use of this report. Consultation with a qualified investment advisor is recommended prior to executing any investment strategy. No portion of this publication should be construed as legal or accounting advice.  If you are a client of PDS Planning, please remember to contact PDS Planning, Inc., in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives.  All rights reserved.