Odin's Empty Skies: Are the Gods of Commerce Abandoning Their Golden Chariots?

The Valkyries Aren't Flying High Enough

By Odin's beard even I Ragnar Lothbrok am shocked! It seems the whispers of fear have reached even the halls of the rich. Barclays those bean counters of the modern world say that interest in buying those…flying chariots…what do they call them? Business jets! Yes those has plummeted by nearly half since the snows of March melted. It's as if the gods themselves have frowned upon such extravagant displays. 'Fear is power,' they say but too much fear and even the wealthiest Vikings hoard their treasures.

Numbers That Would Make Floki Frown

These numbers…they are like the runes etched on a gravestone. The Barclays Business Jet Indicator whatever in Helheim that is has taken a worse beating than I did on that Wessex battlefield. Nearly every measure is down down down! It's like watching our longships drift aimlessly without wind. One of their wise men David Strauss said he expected a decline but not this…this is a Ragnarok of the skies! A score in the low 40s means the market is slowing and that those airplane builders are falling behind. 'Sometimes we care more about our enemies than our friends,' but even I wouldn't wish this on my rivals.

The Serpent of Tariffs Strikes

Ah tariffs! Those sneaky serpents that coil around the ankles of commerce. It seems these high flying merchants fear the bite of these tariffs. They worry not just for the price of their shiny new toys but for their entire empires. Can you imagine? I raided monasteries for less angst! Almost everyone thinks these tariffs will bring bad tidings. It is indeed like 'how the little piggies will grunt when they hear how the old boar suffered'.

Used Jets: Are They Truly Worthy of Valhalla?

Even the used jets the slightly battle worn steeds are facing headwinds. Most believe their appeal will diminish as well. Though a few think that there could be some value in the already battle tested airships. Makes one wonder if the new planes will ever reach the heights that are intended for them. 'There is no challenge that cannot be bested.' is a worthy quote to keep in mind however.

A Glimmer of Hope in the Halls of Power

But hold! A flicker of hope appears on the horizon! These lawmakers in the Senate and House are considering extending something called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It appears even they realize they need to give these lords of the sky a push. Something about deducting the full cost of these flying machines immediately. It seems like an underhanded way of getting into Valhalla. A very un Viking way of thinking. It would make these jets far more attractive from a tax perspective. I do wonder 'how they choose their leaders and why they are following them'.

Will the Gods Smile Again?

So what does this all mean? Will these winged chariots once again soar through the skies laden with the treasures of commerce? Perhaps. But even the gods cannot predict the future with certainty. One thing is clear: the winds of fortune can change quickly. Whether it is by the will of Odin or from a legislative body somewhere we will just have to wait and see. As for me I'll stick to my longship. At least I know where that is going.