at a 1.6% annualized rate. US economic growth slid to an almost two-year low last quarter while inflation jumped to uncomfortable levels, interrupting a run of strong demand and muted price pressures that had fueled optimism for a soft landing. Stocks got crushed, but bonds too? Bonds should rise on a GDP slowdown.

to create the world’s largest copper producer, outflanking (FCX). It’s an all share deal. An Anglo deal would be the second major acquisition by BHP in about a year after its 2023 purchase of copper miner Oz Minerals. (AEM) rocketed 15% on the news. (AEM) was at the top of the list for companies to buy at the next market bottom. Increased M&A activity is always a precursor of great stock market performance. You just follow the big money. Buy (FCX) on dips.

sparking a selloff in big tech stocks after the social media giant signaled its costly bet on AI would take years to pay off. “Patience” is the last word in the world investors want to hear. Meta forecast April-June revenue below estimates and raised the bottom end of its 2024 total expense forecast by $2 billion on Wednesday. It also raised the top end of its capital expenditure view as it invests in data centers essential to its efforts to catch up with AI frontrunners OpenAI and Microsoft. Buy (META) on dips.

right here, right now. Robotaxis and low-cost cars are key for future growth. Ron is a longtime fan of (TSLA) and an early investor at $7 a share in 2014. Tesla is the biggest holding in Baron’s oldest and biggest fund, (BPTIX), accounting for more than 30% of the portfolio. Don’t bet against Ron.

at €5 euros, triggering local riots. Overtourism has become a major problem in much of Europe as the Chinese return to the continent en masse. Venice is so chokingly crowded in the summer that it’s difficult to move. Other popular cities like Florence will follow.