Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of February 21, 2024

Article Excerpt

The term “bells and whistles” came into use in the early 1900s, in the train/locomotive industry. It referred to the actual bells, whistles and other noise-making devices attached to trains to signal when they arrived, departed, rounded a bend in the track, approached a crossroad, and so on. They improved efficiency and speed, while reducing collisions and injuries. In the days before TV and film, bells and whistles were a form of entertainment. When considering the value of a stock or company, it’s a good idea to downplay the value of most modern versions of bells and whistles. Often, they are decorations or marketing devices that may help maintain current revenues but have little impact on long-term growth. Worse, they can undo years of financial progress. The worst bell and whistles are those you see in casinos and novel financial offerings. Both industries are deviously clever, because the rule is the same for both: If they can get you to play long…