The verdict is in on former President Donald Trump’s trial in New York. Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 charges in his hush money case. Never before in history has a former president of the United States been tried after they left office of the Presidency. This trial of former President Donald Trump was politically motivated with many things wrong with even going to trial. No doubt the trial was politically motivated due to the fear and panic of former President Donald Trump running for office of the Presidency of the United States in November 2024. The charges against President Donald Trump are related to falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This payment was part of an effort to prevent Daniels from going public with her claims about a 2006 encounter with Trump. This historic conviction marks Trump as the first former U.S. president to be convicted of felony crimes. The jury deliberated for 9.5 hours before reaching their verdict, which involved examining numerous invoices, vouchers, and checks connected to the reimbursement payments made to Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who initially covered the payment to Daniels. The sentencing for Trump is scheduled for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention where he is expected to be nominated as the 2024 presidential candidate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM1v-Tyvvso&list=RDNSNM1v-Tyvvso&start_radio=1

Is investing in copper a good investment? Whether investing in copper is a good investment or not depends on several factors, including the investor’s goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Here are some key points to consider regarding investing in copper:

1. Copper is a cyclical commodity: The demand for copper is closely tied to the overall health of the economy, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. When the economy is growing, demand for copper typically increases, driving up prices. However, during economic downturns, copper prices tend to decline.
2. Supply and demand dynamics: Copper is a finite resource, and its price is influenced by the balance between supply and demand. If new copper mines are brought online or existing mines increase production, it could lead to an oversupply and lower prices. Conversely, supply disruptions or increasing demand from emerging economies like China and India can drive prices higher.
3. Industrial usage: Copper is an essential material in many industries due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as its resistance to corrosion. It is widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and various industrial applications. The growth or decline of these industries can impact copper demand and prices.
4. Investing options: Investors can gain exposure to copper through various instruments, including copper futures contracts, copper mining stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track copper prices, or physical copper (e.g., copper bars or coins).
5. Volatility and risk: Like many commodities, copper prices can be volatile and subject to significant fluctuations due to various factors, including global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and supply disruptions. Investing in copper carries risks, and investors should be prepared for potential price swings.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in copper should be based on thorough research, an understanding of the copper market dynamics, and an assessment of one’s investment objectives and risk tolerance. It may be advisable to consult with a financial advisor or conduct further research to determine if copper suits your investment portfolio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p2Jwt9VZDU

Mortgage rates today have been steadily declining. What are Mortgage Rates today?

Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time. While climate variability is natural, much of the recent observed changes are due to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide and methane. This phenomenon is also commonly referred to as global warming or anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change. Here’s a broad overview of its causes, impacts, and the response strategies:

Causes of Climate Change

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy, deforestation for agriculture, and industrial processes contribute to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
2. Land Use Changes: Deforestation not only releases the carbon stored in trees but also reduces the planet’s capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
3. Agriculture: This sector contributes significantly through methane emissions from livestock and rice fields, and nitrous oxide from over-fertilized fields.

Impacts of Climate Change

1. Temperature Increases: The most direct effect is the rise in global temperatures, leading to heatwaves and disrupted weather patterns.
2. Ice Melt and Sea Level Rise: The increase in global temperatures has led to the melting of ice caps and glaciers, contributing to rising sea levels, which can cause coastal erosion, increased flooding, and threaten coastal communities.
3. Ocean Acidification: CO2 absorption is making the oceans more acidic, affecting marine life and ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and shellfish populations.
4. Extreme Weather Events: There is an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall.
5. Impact on Biodiversity: Climate change is altering habitats and threatening species with extinction, disrupting natural ecosystems.
6. Socioeconomic Effects: Impacts include threats to food security from decreasing crop yields and the loss of livable land, which could lead to displacement and climate refugees.

Responses to Climate Change

1. Mitigation: This involves reducing the flow of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, either by reducing sources of these gases (e.g., the burning of fossil fuels for electricity, heat, or transport) or enhancing the sinks that accumulate and store these gases (such as the oceans, forests, and soil). Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric systems generate electricity with little or no pollution and GHG emissions.
2. Adaptation: Involves making adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects or impacts. It aims to reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts, allowing societies to manage risks and damage while taking advantage of potential opportunities.
3. International Agreements: The Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), signed in 2015, is one of the global efforts where countries committed to limiting global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels through nationally determined contributions.

Personal and Community Actions

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Adopting more sustainable practices in daily life can significantly reduce one’s carbon footprint.
• Energy Efficiency: Using more energy-efficient appliances and vehicles, upgrading insulation in homes, and using public transport can reduce individual GHG emissions.
• Support/Advocate: Supporting policies and leaders who prioritize climate actions and sustainable practices is crucial. Community-level actions can amplify individual efforts.

Addressing climate change requires coordinated global actions but also hinges on national, local, and individual efforts. The collective engagement in mitigation and adaptation measures is essential to effectively manage and hopefully overcome this global challenge.

Joe Biden and his administration are planning a climate emergency in the coming days or weeks. The Democrats are panicking because of the low approval rating and are cornered on what they can do to cheat their way to get reelected. Americans should expect more crisis, climate emergency Lock downs, wars, riots, pandemics, or natural disasters

.https://youtu.be/yogGHWVZlYE?si=PhvAZVL8NaOCP8Hp

• This discussion was modified 2 years ago by  Gustan Cho.

Gustan told me last night that wholesale mortgage lenders like The Lender offers free trimerger hard credit pulls which costs $77.00 either to the borrower or the Loan Officer. Where can I get more detail on this on how it works.

The apartment building values started to plummet as much as 40%. Apartment and multifamily properties peaked in May 2022 and started falling since then. Besides plummeting apartment building values, foreclosure of apartment building properties are skyrocketing to 2007 levels. The numbers of apartment building values plummeting and soaring foreclosure rates vary from city and state. We will cover more in this breaking news as more develop in the coming days and weeks. Besides apartment building properties, values of commercial properties in general have and are plummeting at record levels.

https://youtu.be/QuDEubYPMoM?si=sYcSVFDyYmK1MeBC

• This discussion was modified 2 years ago by  Gustan Cho.

Our dear friend and colleague at Gustan Cho Associates decided to make her new home in the mortgage industry at Loan Factory, a mortgage brokerage licensed in multiple states. Besides Loan Factory, Wendy Lahn also joined a second mortgage brokerage firm Loanworks. I did not realize that it was allowed to be licensed with more than one mortgage company but I guess I was wrong. Wendy is an attorney by education, a loan officer, and a real estate broker so I can have her explain the compliance end of being licensed with more than one mortgage broker.

• This discussion was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by  Gustan Cho.
• This discussion was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by  Gustan Cho.

Ladies and gentlemen, breaking news. Our first transgender first Lady, Big Mike Obama

The German Shepherd Dog, often referred to simply as the German Shepherd or GSD, is a popular and versatile breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Here’s some information about the German Shepherd:

Origin of the German Shepherd: The breed originated in Germany in the late 19th century, developed primarily by Max von Stephanitz, who aimed to create the ideal working dog.

Appearance: German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs with a strong, muscular build. They have a distinctive double coat, which is usually tan and black, or red and black, although other color variations exist.

Temperament: They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courage. They are often used as working dogs in roles such as police, military, search and rescue, and as service dogs for people with disabilities.

Training: German Shepherds are highly trainable and eager to please, which makes them excellent candidates for obedience training and various dog sports. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Health: Like all breeds, German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary care can help mitigate these risks.

Exercise: They are an active breed and require regular exercise to stay mentally and physically healthy. Long walks, hikes, and play sessions are important for their well-being.

Socialization: Proper socialization from a young age is crucial for German Shepherds to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted and confident around people and other animals.

Popularity: German Shepherds are consistently ranked among the most popular dog breeds worldwide due to their versatility, intelligence, and loyalty.

Overall, German Shepherds make excellent companions for active individuals and families who can provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need. However, potential owners should be prepared for the commitment of time, training, and exercise required to raise a happy and healthy German Shepherd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MqvumRb0nc

• This discussion was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

Many people wonder what are the benefits and negatives between a car purchase and car lease? Which benefits a automobile consumer?

How will having a car lease affect my debt-to-income ratio when getting approved for a mortgage loan?