The Odds Ever in Our Favor? Markets Surge as Peeta... I mean, Iran, Seeks Ceasefire

May the Odds Be Ever in Your Portfolio’s Favor?

Well folks looks like even in these dark days the markets are behaving like a Capitol tribute – unpredictable! Word on the street is that Iran wants a ceasefire with Israel. I guess even they’re realizing that war is well a bit of a downer. S&P 500 up 0.94% Dow Jones jumping 0.75% and the Nasdaq soaring 1.52%. Makes you wonder if maybe just maybe there’s a Peeta like baker in Tehran trying to sweet talk everyone into peace. Remember like I told Gale in the arena sometimes you have to play the game to survive...or in this case to boost your stocks.

Netanyahu: 'Israel is Not Backing Down'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated "Israel is not backing down" from eliminating Iran's nuclear program. When asked at a news briefing about the prospect of a ceasefire Netanyahu indicated he was not interested. Ironic isn't it? All this talk of peace and then we get hit with a dose of reality harder than that time I volunteered for Prim. Some things never change do they?

AI: The New Mockingjay?

The U.S. Defense Department is diving headfirst into the world of artificial intelligence. They’ve signed a one year contract with OpenAI probably hoping to create the ultimate Peacekeeper bot. I just hope these AI systems are better at aiming than the average Gamemaker. Imagine if they could have predicted the Quell twist? We would have had a lot less mayhem to deal with!

Trump Mobile: Is This Real Life or Just Another Hunger Games?

And now for something completely bizarre… The Trump Organization is launching a mobile phone plan called Trump Mobile and a gold plated smartphone the "T1," complete with an American flag. Seriously? It's like they saw the Capitol's over the top style and thought “We can do that but make it a phone!” I'm not sure who this is aimed at but I think I'd rather stick to my trusty bow and arrow. At least that doesn't require a monthly plan.

Gold: The Ultimate Safe Haven (Even Safer Than District 12)

Apparently gold is the new black when it comes to safe investments. Spot prices are up 30% this year! Even more than the Japanese yen Swiss franc and U.S. Treasurys. Experts are saying it's because gold isn't tied to any government’s liabilities. It's like finding a patch of katniss in the arena – rare precious and a darn good survival tool.

What Would It Take?

Equity and energy markets appeared to shake off concerns of a wider conflict in the Middle East reversing some of the moves from late last week. One strategist explained what it would take for markets to feel the effects of the hostilities. Well I guess we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime I'll keep my bow strung and my eyes open. You never know when the next Gamemaker is going to throw a wrench in things. Remember: "If we burn you burn with us."