Good morning.

When you think of what people consider to be a “happy place,” many areas come to mind. For some, it is Disneyworld … for others it is a favored golf course … and for others a tavern or even a garden.  Well, this week I am off to CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and for me … that is one of my happy places … as the review of concepts … some of which might never see the light of day, greatly excites me … as I know a few of these things will “make it” … even if years away … as inventors invite me to travel along with them to share their dreams.

This year … and I’ll report late this week … it appears AI (“Artificial Intelligence”) will be everywhere … as, when you think about it, this has already snuck into our lives … and should continue with fast advancement. Whether it is “talking” to your car to get directions … or using an AirTag to locate luggage (or your lost pet) … or even telling Alexa to set an alarm or play a song … has already become commonplace …with many advancements to come.  It isn’t difficult to remember the days when Garmin first gave directions or Shazam was used to identify a song.  Advanced at the time … quite ancient now … and seemingly quite basic.

It appears we will see stocks rise at the open this morning, but where they end up is anyone’s guess.  While employment numbers should provide a catalyst later in the week, one report I just read is pointing towards “AI excitement” to be today’s driver as media meetings at that Consumer Show begin.

In my “pre-read” … as I prepare … my biggest surprise is the fewer number of booths allocated to automobiles … as I guess there is not much more to show in the world of Electric Vehicles for manufacturers.  No longer are electric vehicles new … they are all over the place … and the only thing left to do is to position yourself (at a real auto show, perhaps) better than … or cheaper than … the competition.

I often keep in mind the “AIDA” concept or Awareness, Interest, Decision, Action … in which the first step is to make people aware of EV … done … get people interested in EV … achieved … have people make a decision to buy an EV … almost there … and then to take action to buy your EV from a specific company.  I made the claim in the past that by 2030, almost all will have at least one Electric Vehicle in their household. I am still sticking to that view.

That about wraps it up for today as I am hoping my flight isn’t delayed too much by the snow.

… oh … and if you’re reading this and will be in Las Vegas this week, let me know and we’ll catch up.

The bar I go to at the New York, New York hotel never changes.

… as that is also one of my happy places.

Have a great day,

Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA

Have any questions? Please contact info@teamemerald.com