Be Like Poland

Well friends, if you’re Polish, you’ve got a little extra reason to hold your head high these days.

The top-performing country ETF in the world this year? Yep.. Poland.

Check this out: it's up a staggering 41% year-to-date. Sure, a big part of that surge comes from the strength of the Polish złoty, but still this is a serious flex in a year where most ETFs and indexes are swimming in red.

Not bad, Polska. Not bad at all.

In general the Polish market is doing very well compared to its counterparts. The WIG20, which is a capitalization-weighted stock market index of the twenty largest companies on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, is up almost 25% since January 1st. 

In the United States, the Dow Jones is down almost 7% on the year. 

The German DAX is up 9% YTD. 

The Eurozone Stock Index is up only 3%.

Japan is down 10% YTD. 

Palantir’s AI Engineers Are About to Change Everything

I was actually deep in the weeds working on an Apple piece. The idea was to figure out where the tech giant goes from here and whether they can bounce back from the recent AI missteps and that whole Vision Pro mess. It’s still a fascinating story. But then, on Good Friday, something massive dropped—news from Palantir that I just couldn’t ignore.

So I shelved the Apple deep dive for now, because what Palantir is doing might be one of the most important shifts in enterprise software we’ve seen in years. And I personally am ecstatic. 

It’s easy to underestimate a company like Palantir. For years, people called it a consulting firm in disguise. A black box. Too complex to scale. But now we’re entering a new chapter.. and it’s not just hype. It’s product evolution. It’s deployment acceleration. And it’s about to get wildly profitable.

At the center of it all? AI Forward Deployed Engineers, or FDEs.

Palantir’s traditional approach involved sending brilliant engineers (FDEs) to the client’s site to customize and implement its software. These weren’t just tech folks, they were the ones who made Palantir work in the real world. They took the raw software and shaped it into something meaningful for each business or government agency.

Now imagine if those engineers never had to sleep. Never took a break. Never hit capacity. That’s what AI FDEs are. And that is what Palantir CTO just confirmed on a call, that the company has built AI FDE's which are ready to be deployed. Check out the short clip below. 

These AI agents are trained to replicate what human FDEs do: understand client systems, tailor solutions, and bring Palantir’s platform to life. But they can do it at scale. On demand. With zero marginal cost.

Let’s break this down.

1. Scaling Without Hiring

Palantir used to grow in a linear fashion. More clients meant more engineers. More projects. More effort. AI FDEs flip that equation. Now, one AI model can serve countless clients at once. That means Palantir can grow without bloating headcount. The same team can serve 10 clients, then 100, then 1,000.

2. Margins Go Vertical

Deploying software used to be slow and expensive. Each client was a new lift. With AI FDEs, implementation becomes faster and cheaper. Less manual work. More automation. That feeds directly into gross margins. It’s like software-as-a-service on steroids.

3. More Value for Customers 

Here’s the best part. AI FDEs don’t just benefit Palantir, they make the product more powerful for customers too. You can now customize Palantir’s digital twins however you want. In hours, not months. That unlocks insane levels of operational efficiency for any business using the platform.

You want to automate your factory floor? Your logistics chain? Your compliance workflow? Done. AI FDEs help make it real without waiting for a consultant to fly in and code for weeks.

4. Accelerating the Flywheel 

The more Palantir productizes its software, the easier it is to sell, deploy, and scale. The easier it is to deploy, the more clients it attracts. And the more clients, the more data Palantir captures and learns from. This creates a flywheel effect and AI FDEs just made that wheel spin faster.

5. The Road to Autonomous Enterprises 

All of this is driving toward a bigger picture. Fully autonomous organizations. Companies that use digital twins and AI to run operations with minimal human involvement. We’re not talking about replacing everyone overnight, but it’s easy to see where this is going. AI handles support. AI handles logistics. AI handles decisions. And Palantir is the backbone.

AI FDEs are step two in that evolution. AIP was step one.

That’s why I believe this changes everything. Not just for Palantir’s customers. For Palantir itself. Higher margins. Greater reach. More predictable revenue. And a massive moat that gets harder to cross with every deployment.

If you’re a long-term investor, this is exactly the kind of inflection point you wait for. Quiet. Underappreciated. But deeply transformational.

And if you’re already holding the stock at lower levels, congratulations. The future looks pretty damn good from here. I keep saying that Palantir is the next Microsoft, and I am bullish as ever on their stock. 

Buy PLTR stock, your future self will thank you. 

Did Trump Ruin the Stock Market?

Regardless of your personal views on Donald Trump, the reality is that he will be serving as President of the United States for the next 3.5 years, and it’s clear he will remain a highly polarizing figure throughout his term.

His recent tariff announcements have sent shockwaves through the stock market, triggering a sharp sell-off, with signs pointing to further declines as we head into Monday’s session. While I had anticipated a broader market pullback in the first half of 2025, this downturn is proving to be more severe than expected.

I’ve always acknowledged the cyclical nature of markets, and following the exceptional gains we saw in 2023 and 2024 in the S&P 500, I believed 2025 would bring slower, more muted growth. Unfortunately, what we’re seeing now is far more abrupt and driven by geopolitical uncertainty rather than just market rotation.

So if you’ve been reading financial headlines lately, you might think the current market crash, down 20% from the February highs, is entirely Trump’s fault, right? All because of his tariffs?

Well, I’m not entirely convinced. Here’s why.

First off, I don’t believe this sell-off is solely the result of Trump’s trade policies. The markets were already showing signs of weakness ever since DeepSeek shook investor confidence with its supposed low-cost LLM that allegedly didn’t require NVIDIA GPUs (which, of course, turned out to be false). That was the spark, but deeper fears are at play, some are worried that 1) our economic expansion has peaked, and 2) the so-called American empire may be entering decline.

And let’s talk about China. If you still think China is just producing cheap knockoffs of Western innovation, you’re way behind. Take a few minutes on YouTube to check out some of China’s new luxury car brands, they’re not just catching up; they’re starting to impress.

But does that mean American industry is in trouble? Not necessarily.

Yes, China is advancing, but they’re also facing major headwinds: a collapsing housing market, aging demographics, rising debt levels, slowing economic growth, and rampant youth unemployment. Those aren’t the hallmarks of a country ready to take over the world, they’re signs of deep structural issues.

Now, Trump has long been critical of China. His current play seems to be about “leveling the playing field,” using tariffs to pressure countries he believes are exploiting the U.S. economically. You could argue that these tariffs are more of a bargaining chip, his way of pulling other nations into negotiations. We all know how much he thrives on deal-making.

But does this mean American industry is doomed? Or is it part of a broader, more aggressive economic strategy?

Trump’s approach appears to be centered around reviving domestic manufacturing and energy independence. His plan includes tax cuts, reduced government spending (cue the return of the deficit hawks), deregulation, expanded domestic drilling, and tariffs designed to bring jobs back to the U.S. Will it work? Hard to say.

What is clear is that this strategy marks a sharp pivot away from globalization. It’s protectionist. And that shift, combined with the unpredictability of Trump’s methods is what’s really shaking investors. We’re not just seeing a market correction; we’re witnessing a potential reset of the global economic order. And uncertainty like that spooks the market.

If you believe in Trump’s vision, if you think his plan will bolster U.S. industry, then maybe this is the perfect time to buy the dip. Companies like Apple and NVIDIA have already pledged to invest billions domestically and shift some manufacturing back to the U.S., and the Fed might respond to the volatility with rate cuts, injecting liquidity back into the system.

But if you think this strategy won’t work, if you believe the U.S. is heading toward a deeper crisis while the rest of the world struggles through a downturn, then maybe it’s time to hedge. Think gold, Bitcoin… and yes, maybe even Chinese equities.

As for what I’m doing? I’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

My latest Investment: Hims ($HIMS)

What a time to be alive. The market's been hopping around like a kangaroo lately, big jumps followed by sharp pullbacks as we've all found ourselves at the mercy of "Donald Pump," who's not exactly living up to his nickname these days. Instead of juicing the markets like many hoped, Trump seems to be holding back stocks with his tariff talk and warnings about a possible recession. But honestly, I don't mind, and neither should you.

Unless you're retiring this year or cashing out soon, Trump's market moves are actually a gift. He's giving us a chance to pick up amazing stocks at a steep discount. And that's exactly what I've been doing. There's one company in particular that's been in my sights for months, and after the recent pullback from their highs, I finally pulled the trigger.

Before diving in, let me just say that I’m always on the lookout for innovative companies that spot big problems and actually solve them. Unfortunately, modern life in the tech era hasn’t exactly been kind to our health. Smart phones have ruined our postures, social media keeps us anxious and depressed, long hours at work leave us stressed out (and losing hair faster than ever), poor-quality food has us packing on pounds, endless scrolling through things like P-hub and OnlyChumps isn't doing young men's virility any favors, and busy lifestyles mean women are often delaying family life into their 30s. No matter where you live, it seems everyone agrees: the healthcare system is struggling, and it shows in our overall wellbeing.

So I've turned my attention to the healthcare sector, particularly the innovative intersection between healthcare and technology. My recent research led me to Hims & Hers ($HIMS), a pioneering mid-cap telehealth company leveraging technology to streamline healthcare delivery and medication distribution directly to consumers.

Introduction to Hims & Hers ($HIMS)

Originally known primarily for erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, Hims has rapidly evolved into a versatile healthcare provider addressing a growing variety of medical conditions. Despite being less than a decade old, their strategic expansion and operational efficiency convinced me of their substantial growth potential.

Strategic Business Model and Operational Efficiency

Hims distinguishes itself with a direct-to-consumer subscription model that simplifies access to prescription medications without the traditional friction of insurance, doctor referrals, or pharmacy visits. Their vertically integrated infrastructure allows seamless management of the entire patient experience, from initial assessment and prescription to personalized medication delivery.

This vertically integrated model was further strengthened through the strategic acquisition of Medisource, an FDA-approved facility enabling Hims to internally produce compounded medications. This move significantly boosts operational efficiency and control over their supply chain, essential elements for scalability and sustained profitability.

Marketing Impact and Market Expansion

A perfect example of Hims’ marketing prowess was their recent Super Bowl ad, which drove an incredible 650% spike in web traffic. The commercial aired earlier this year, around January-February, and given its widespread reach and impact, we can expect to see its positive effects reflected when the company reports earnings on May 5th. This kind of strategic marketing highlights Hims' ability to quickly capture attention, attract new customers, and significantly boost brand awareness. Check it out below:

Furthermore, Hims has astutely expanded into women's healthcare via the Hers brand. This expansion addresses lucrative sectors such as skincare, hormonal therapy, and menopause care, tapping into a demographic known for high customer retention and repeat purchases. The hiring of Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a seasoned OB/GYN with deep industry connections and expertise, as the Chief Medical Officer of Hers, signals their commitment to capturing and expanding this market effectively. Personally, I think this was a brilliant move, women represent an incredibly valuable consumer segment, often driving trends and demonstrating strong brand loyalty. 

The Significance of GLP-1 Medications

While the business encompasses diverse healthcare solutions, their offering of GLP-1 medications has garnered significant attention, particularly amid shortages of well-known diabetes medications like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic. GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) drugs, originally intended for diabetes management, surged in popularity due to their notable side effect: substantial weight loss driven by appetite suppression.

With widespread shortages caused by skyrocketing demand driven largely by celebrity endorsements and viral social media attention, the FDA authorized select providers to produce compounded versions. Hims quickly capitalized on this opportunity, initially sourcing these medications from third-party facilities before fully acquiring Medisource to internalize production. Though GLP-1 currently represents just 4% of their subscriber growth, its impact on public awareness and brand positioning has been disproportionately beneficial.

This responsiveness not only exemplifies their agility but also positions them as a reliable alternative provider during critical market shortages, further enhancing their reputation and customer acquisition potential.

Financial Performance and Investment Potential

Financially, Hims demonstrates strong fundamentals with improving gross margins (recently reaching 77% as of Q4 2024), consistently positive cash flow from operations, and steady subscriber growth supported by their subscription-based model. The direct-to-consumer approach generates predictable revenue, positioning the company for sustainable long-term growth.

In their recent Q4 earnings report, Hims & Hers ($HIMS) delivered impressive growth with revenue up 95%, EBITDA surging 163%, subscribers increasing by 45%, and average order value rising 63%.

Their ongoing investment in infrastructure, evidenced by capital expenditures designed to scale operations reinforces their strategic focus on long-term market dominance rather than short-term profitability alone. This aligns perfectly with my approach as an investor seeking companies that effectively balance innovation, growth, and financial discipline.

Innovative Leadership and Competitive Advantage

Central to my investment thesis in Hims is their exemplary leadership and strategic use of technology. CEO Andrew Dudum, a young and visionary leader with experience collaborating alongside influential figures like Peter Thiel (who we all know from Palantir), demonstrates the entrepreneurial agility required to navigate complex healthcare landscapes.

Complementing this leadership is their proprietary MedMatch technology. Leveraging AI and machine learning, MedMatch significantly reduces the traditional trial-and-error approach in medicine, tailoring prescriptions precisely to individual patient needs. This technological innovation profoundly enhances patient outcomes, provider efficiency, and customer satisfaction, crucial factors for competitive differentiation.

Disruptive Potential and Future Outlook

Uniquely, Hims combines telehealth, pharmacy operations, and personalized medication production under one cohesive platform. In doing so, they carve out a distinctive, defensible market position in an industry traditionally fragmented across multiple intermediaries.

Their strategy of blending technology, clinical expertise, and direct consumer engagement positions them as a disruptive force, ready to capitalize on the ongoing shift toward digital and personalized healthcare solutions. This not only fits seamlessly within a tech-focused investment strategy but also offers considerable upside through market share capture, continued subscriber growth, and expansion into new healthcare verticals.

Conclusion: Why I Invested in Hims & Hers

Integrating Hims into my tech-oriented investment portfolio was driven by recognizing their potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery through technology-driven innovation and vertical integration. Their adept management team, strategic market positioning, including the critical response to GLP-1 demand and robust financial metrics support my conviction in their sustained growth and market potential.

As healthcare continues to digitize, companies like Hims are ideally positioned to redefine the industry standard, providing compelling long-term investment opportunities that align perfectly with my portfolio's technological orientation and growth objectives.

I’m not expecting Hims to be my next Palantir or deliver quite the same explosive returns, but I'm confident they'll reclaim their previous highs by year-end and solidify their spot as the go-to health brand for the under-40 crowd.

So, TLDR: I bought $HIMS because they're an innovative disruptor shaking up a fragmented healthcare system, and I see a ton of growth potential ahead.

February Fear Fest

Hello fellow investors,

February 2025 has been an absolute wild ride. We started the month with market euphoria as the Nasdaq and S&P 500 were at or near record highs, and stocks like Palantir and HIMS were flying incredibly high. At one point, PLTR was trading over $125.

But things have changed quickly. Economic fears have pulled us back quite a bit. Looking at the S&P 500 and Nasdaq charts (see below), you can see we’re experiencing some real pain.

Even BTC has dipped below $80,000 which signals we are officially in a bear market for crypto.

Not even Nvidia's stellar earnings report last week was enough to reverse the broader market’s downward trend.

Why are we falling so much?

I think it's a combination of factors causing this short-term pain and uncertainty. Let’s break them down.

1. The Tariffs

Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that Trump is an active president. Unlike his predecessor, Trump is constantly moving, negotiating, and making headlines. He’s been working to end physical wars, but he’s also potentially starting new trade wars.

His "America First" policies are spooking global markets, especially with his threats of new tariffs on the EU, Canada, Mexico, and China. If you buy imported goods from any of these places, you’re likely to pay more.

The full impact on inflation is unclear. European carmakers, for example, have spent decades preparing for these scenarios and already have manufacturing facilities in the US. That may soften the blow but time will tell. 

2. Unemployment 

There are rumors that the job market is getting tougher, especially in tech. A lot of unemployed IT workers are saying they can’t find new roles. Personally, I think much of this is a pandemic-era correction.

During COVID, companies took federal money and went on hiring sprees, overpaying for talent and creating unnecessary roles. Now, they’re cutting the fat, letting go of non-essential employees and redundant positions.

On top of that, AI has stepped in to replace lower-end jobs. Companies no longer need to pay an analyst $100K to take meeting notes since software tools (like Microsoft's Copilot) do it better, faster, and cheaper.

What About DOGE?

There’s also concern about DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency, not the crypto!). This initiative aims to cut government jobs to reduce spending. As of November 2024, the federal government employed about 3 million people, or 1.87% of the US civilian workforce (per BLS data).

If DOGE slashes even half those jobs, that’s 1.5 million people hitting the unemployment line. That would definitely show up in the data and freak out the markets.

3. Lingering Inflation

Tariffs could add to inflation, but domestic costs, especially groceries and insurance remain stubbornly high.

Official data shows that US inflation edged up to 3% in January 2025, compared to 2.9% in December 2024, slightly above market forecasts. That’s not great.

• Energy costs rose 1% year-over-year (the first increase in six months)
• Used car prices rebounded
• Transportation costs accelerated (up 8%).

New vehicle prices fell, but only slightly.

All in all, this paints a picture of sticky inflation with higher prices across essential categories that make life expensive for everyday Americans. This is not great news for investors. 

4. Stagflation

Yes, this is the scary word no one wants to hear: stagflation,  a toxic combo of high inflation, high unemployment, and stagnant economic growth.

I’ve personally never lived through stagflation, but if you read economic history, you’ll know it’s a nightmare scenario for both businesses and investors.

If the word starts getting thrown around more, expect even more selling pressure in the stock market.

My Take

Markets tend to be most bearish right after reaching new highs, and that’s exactly where we are.

It’s okay for the market to be skeptical right now. As Warren Buffett famously said:

"Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful."

Right now, there’s fear and panic everywhere, which to me signals opportunity.

What This Means for Investors

Fed Rate Cuts on the Horizon?

This recent pullback might actually force the Fed's hand to cut rates again. Lower rates would be bullish for equities, especially growth stocks.

Buy the Dip?

Yes: but focus on great companies with strong revenue growth, earnings power, and expanding margins. These current prices are gifts if you’re thinking in years, not months.

Some of my personal favorites that fit this category include:

• Palantir (PLTR)
• Nvidia (NVDA)
• Tesla (TSLA)
• Apple (AAPL)
• Amazon (AMZN)
• Microsoft (MSFT)

These are all companies with strong fundamentals, long-term growth potential, and plenty of room for margin expansion.

Inflation: Don’t Trust the Noise

One final thought,  a lot of inflation data comes from sentiment surveys. And I personally believe those surveys are politically polluted.

Plenty of economists with Democratic ties want Trump to fail, so inflation sentiment skews worse than reality. I don’t pay much attention to that noise.

Trump has time and has proven in the past that his unusual, often chaotic, negotiation tactics can be surprisingly effective. He also knows that for his approval ratings to stay high, he needs the market to perform well.

Final Verdict: This Is a BUY THE DIP Moment

Stay calm. Stay focused. This is what long-term investing is all about.

History shows us that the market always recovers — and this time will be no different.

"The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient."

— Warren Buffett