Straight to your inbox from Keith himself!

*Trusted by tens of thousands of savvy investors and traders around the world every day

☕️ The markets love a clear mind, here’s how to get one

Mar 06, 2025

Howdy! 👋

Sometimes there’s just nothing new under the sun.

We’ve talked about dang near everything going on… the markets, the big moves, tariffs, the headlines and, often, the lack thereof. At some point you’ve just got to step back, take a deep breath and – dare I say it – go outside.

I know, the horror… sunlight, fresh air, enjoying time with a loved one? No blinking screens, ear buds, or smart phones?!?!

But here’s the deal.

I’ve been in the game a long time and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in 45+ years of working in global markets, it’s that the best insights and most profitable decisions don’t tend to come when you’re staring at a screen until your brain boils and your eyes bleed.

Our minds need to breathe.

The world’s greatest thinkers – including Einstein, Buffett and even Steve Jobs – loved long walks because in their eyes (and mine) it’s the “pause” that refreshes.

The Japanese even have a term for it: Shinrin-yoku which means “forest bathing.”

Studies show that stepping away lowers cortisol – the stress hormone - improves mood and can even boost NK cells, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection and even cancer because of all the phytoncides you encounter.

One study I’m familiar with (David Strayer from the University of Utah) found that participants spending time in nature increased their problem-solving skills by 50%!

My two cents is simple.

Getting outside clears the noise, sharpens my focus and, most importantly, tends to keep me from making dumb, emotionally driven decisions that, let’s face it, the market will point out in a nanosecond.

So, if today feels like more of the same to you too, that’s not a bad thing.

It’s a gift.

Step outside, grab a trowel, get in the garden, take a stroll, have lunch with a friend or better yet somebody really important in your life. Do something nice for someone else.

Let the ideas percolate.

Chances are good you’ll come back with fresh eyes, a sharper perspective and an edge you can put to work in the markets…. tomorrow.

Meanwhile and if you really are a glutton for punishment, I’ll be previewing Costco earnings with the super savvy Nicole Petallides on The Watch List at 1200PST / 1500 EST. And, of course, we’ll be putting the finishing touches on the March issue of One Bar Ahead® which will be out tomorrow if things go as planned.