In The Mideast Is There Something Afoot? 9:48 A.M. CT -- July 7, 2026

 

Locator: 51128OIL.

Updates

UAE: dropped out of OPEC+; ships above its quota. 

SpaceX: drops 7%; drops below its IPO price from one month ago. 

Russia: drone strike hits Russia's largest refinery; refinery shut down; fuel shortage in Russia worsens.

Happening now: 9:42 a.m. CT: huge sell-off in tech this morning, but much more interesting is the fact that across the board energy stocks are up over 2%. 

WTI itself is now up 2.6% which has occurred just this morning, back over $70. This suggests movers and shakers realize things are not going well in the Mideast with regard to the Hormuz Strait. At the same time, the Dow, which had been green, has now turned negative and is down about 130 points. Is something afoot?

Any good news? AAPL which had been slightly negative is now flirting with a slight gain -- very, very slight. 

AMD news:

 

The World Has Changed -- Get Used To It -- July 7, 2026

Locator: 51127ARCHIVES.

Updates

Later, 9:42 a.m. CT: huge sell-off in tech this morning, but much more interesting is the fact that across the board energy stocks are up over 2%. WTI itself is now up 2.6% which has occurred just this morning, back over $70. This suggests movers and shakers realize things are not going well in the Mideast with regard to the Hormuz Strait. At the same time, the Dow, which had been green, has now turned negative and is down about 130 points. Is something afoot?

Original Post  

Samsung: profit jumps 1,800% as AI chip sales soar.

• you can howl at the wind, but AI is here to sta

Micron started construction on a $9.3 billion expansion to its factory in Hiroshima, Japan. 

Saudi Arabia considers expansion of oil pipeline to Red Sea.

Hunch: Mideast crude oil exports has leveled off; unlikely to increase; WTI will stay in a trading range near where it is now: $65 to $75 for the near future. IRGC not going to give up the strait. Thinking otherwise is fantasy. So, three outcomes:

• Hezbollah is not going away;
• Iran's nuclear program will continue -- will play hide-and-seek with IEA inspectors;
• IRGC will monetize / maintain control of the strait. 

SpaceX is now in the NASDAQ-100. Brace for volatility.

Trump Accounts: way too complicated; particularly for the measly return for upper middle class and the elite. I wrote that before I saw this, link here:

Experts interviewed by Yahoo Finance were not convinced that Trump Accounts offered a clear advantage over similar options, like a traditional or Roth IRA or a 529 education savings plan.

529s, for example, allow earnings to accumulate and are not subject to federal and state taxes when used for qualified education expenses.

Zach Teutsch, a managing partner at Values Added Financial, said that a family would have to be "shockingly sure" that their child would not attend college to opt for a Trump Account instead of a 529 plan.

"The giving kids money aspect is generally good," Teutsch said. "The account structure seems ill-considered."

Traditional IRAs offer an up-front tax deduction, while Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax money, but the dollars are withdrawn tax-free in retirement.

Trump Accounts tax the money when it goes in and when it comes out. Additionally, IRAs — both types — offer a greater variety of investment options and higher contribution limits.

What's also confusing about Trump Accounts is that they allow for both after-tax contributions, like individual gifts from family members or parents, as well as pre-tax contributions, like those from employers.

In general, experts say that Trump Accounts have significant drawbacks compared to other options.

"It's not very attractive," said Ann Reilley, CEO of Alpha Financial Advisors. "It just seems like they're complicating things for no reason."

IN PROGRESS -- Hess -- Case 33025 -- Up To 13 Wells On A 1280-Acre Unit -- July 6, 2026

Locator: 51126HESS.

Hearing dockets are found here at the NDIC.

July, 2026, hearing dockets.  

This is a case to be considered by the NDIC, not a permit. If approved by the NDIC, then operators can go ahead and submit permits to drill these wells within the parameters of the case that was passed.  

It's my understanding that when an operator requests more wells to be drilled in a spacing unit, that number includes wells already drilled, if that makes sense. Example: in case below, Hess requests an authorization of up to 13 horizontal wells to be drilled -- this is not 13 additional wells. Rather it means an additional three wells because there are already 10 wells in this spacing unit. I could be wrong on number of wells already drilled in that drilling unit, but you get the idea.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Link here.
Page 12.

The case, again, this is a case, not a permit:

 The maps:

 

 

 

Tuesday -- July 7, 2026

Locator: 51125B.

SpaceX (SPCX): $154, down about 3%. 

Dow opens at record high: 53,229. 

• NASDAQ down 1%, trading at 25,930.
• S&P: 7,520.

Rivian: dramatic reversal. Diluted shares. Sells 75 million shares to raise cash to pay DOE loan. Previously reported.

Senator Mitch McConnell: hospitalized for about three weeks; staff says he is "continuing his recovery."  Was admitted June 14, 2026. 

Hormuz Strait: still not fully open.

• Israel continues to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

**********************************
Back to the Bakken 

WTI: $69.57. Up slightliy

New wells reporting:

• Wednesday, July 8, 2026: 14 for the month, 14 for the quarter, 367 for the year, 
• 41232, conf, Oasis, Hoehn 5202 41-24 5B
• 41231, conf, Oasis, Hoehn 5202 41-24 4B,
• 41230, conf, Oasis, Hoehn 5202 41-24 2B, 
• 41194, conf, Oasis, Hoehn 5202 41-24 3B,
• 40624, conf, Devon Energy, Skaar 15-22 7H,
• Tuesday, July 7, 2026: 9 for the month, 9 for the quarter, 362 for the year, 
• 41620, conf, Devon Energy, Sanders 34-27 6H,

RBN Energy: as data centers come to more northeast states, natural gas market prepares for growth. Link here. Archived.

A number of states have been early movers in the data center world, but several in the Northeast — while not yet major data center hubs — are laying the groundwork for a much bigger role. On top of that, a few states may turn out to be real surprises. There are also a handful of states intentionally shying away from the data center spotlight that could be wildcards. In today’s RBN blog, we examine the plans of several Northeastern states and how they could impact the region’s natural gas market.

After being in virtual limbo for the past couple of years, the Northeast gas market is reawakening, which we’ve detailed in several previous blogs and our latest Drill Down Report, Wake Me Up. Pipeline projects to expand connectivity between Appalachia and demand centers are moving forward for the first time in years, including into the previously off-limits New York/New Jersey and New England market areas. Regional flow dynamics are poised to shift as expansions debottleneck production and pathways out of the Appalachia producing region, deepening seasonal patterns.

At the same time, structural changes, such as coal retirements and new data centers, are driving additional gas demand, and we’re already seeing more gas-related projects in areas where data centers are planned or under construction. In our most recent blog, we turned our attention to the states with already-giant data center footprints — including Virginia and Ohio — that receive gas from Appalachia and how pipeline developers are responding. Today’s blog shifts the focus to several states flying under the radar.

Let’s start with the area known as the Chesapeake-Delaware Corridor (green-shaded area in Figure 1 below) Maryland (medium-green area) is emerging as a key up‑and‑coming data center market, with spillover from Northern Virginia’s Data Center Alley (see Sweet Virginia) combining with a growing roster of large campuses. Key operators include QTS Realty Trust, Digital Realty, COPT Data Center Solutions and Aligned Data Centers, the last of which is building a roughly 264-MW, four‑building campus in Frederick County (light-green area to right at bottom of Figure 1). Much of the momentum centers on the Quantum Loophole data center, a 2,100‑acre redevelopment of the former Alcoa Eastalco site that hosts Aligned’s Quantum Frederick campus and other hyperscale builds. Big projects like TeraWulf’s planned 1,000-MW Chesapeake Data campus in Charles County, Atmosphere’s 300-MW Dickerson Data Center in Montgomery County, and the 150-MW Security Land Baltimore project, along with existing footprints from Amazon and Meta, add up to multi-gigawatt sites. These could change Maryland from a niche market to a secondary data center hub. Policy‑wise, Maryland is still crafting rules around data-center growth. Some counties are developing data-center-specific frameworks after community pushback, and there is growing talk of more cohesive statewide oversight as power demand ramps up.

Minor Notes -- July 6, 2026

Locator: 51124INVESTING.

Samsung earnings: incredible.  2Q26 profit, preliminary guidance: hit a record.

World's largest proposed data center is now officially dead: Virginia. 

• my hunch: developers / proponents of this deal will now move to Texas

SPCX officially joins the NASDAQ-100: tomorrow. 

Toyota: moving $3.6 billion Tacoma pickup manufacturing from Mexico to Texas.  Wow. San Antonio.

Ford-Micron chip deal: you can howl at the wind, but AI is here to stay.

Trump Accounts -- July 6, 2026

Locator: 51123INVESTING.

Trump Accounts: https://www.trumpaccounts.gov/.  

Query:

Can one open a Trump Account at Schwab or must it be done through the Trump Account app?

Reply:

IRS Form 

How to prove priority:

My take on the Trump accounts:

• traditional IRAs for children and others under the age of 18 years old
• which means withdrawals are taxed as "regular income"
• these are not like Roth IRAs
• free money from government, major corporations, and parents' employers in some cases
• very confusing and strict tax-related guidelines
• can only start the process through the government (www.TrumpAccounts.gov)
• except for the "free money" which is very, very limited and highly regulated, there remain better options, particularly 529 plans

My hunch: unless these accounts open automatically upon the birth of a child, these accounts will be hard to sell. 

The "529 plans: are a much better alternative. 

They can be redeemed tax-free (traditional IRAs, upon redemption are taxed as ordinary income). Yes, they can only be redeemed for educational purposes, but money is fungible, the owner of the 529 plan can re-name the recipient at any time for any reason for an indefinite period, and, finally, "education" is very broadly defined. And 529 plans can range from very conservative to very aggressive plans. While we're at it:

Trump Accounts: way too complicated; particularly for the measly return for upper middle class and the elite. I wrote that before I saw this, link here:

Experts interviewed by Yahoo Finance were not convinced that Trump Accounts offered a clear advantage over similar options, like a traditional or Roth IRA or a 529 education savings plan.

529s, for example, allow earnings to accumulate and are not subject to federal and state taxes when used for qualified education expenses.

Zach Teutsch, a managing partner at Values Added Financial, said that a family would have to be "shockingly sure" that their child would not attend college to opt for a Trump Account instead of a 529 plan.

"The giving kids money aspect is generally good," Teutsch said. "The account structure seems ill-considered."

Traditional IRAs offer an up-front tax deduction, while Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax money, but the dollars are withdrawn tax-free in retirement.

Trump Accounts tax the money when it goes in and when it comes out. Additionally, IRAs — both types — offer a greater variety of investment options and higher contribution limits.

What's also confusing about Trump Accounts is that they allow for both after-tax contributions, like individual gifts from family members or parents, as well as pre-tax contributions, like those from employers.

In general, experts say that Trump Accounts have significant drawbacks compared to other options.

"It's not very attractive," said Ann Reilley, CEO of Alpha Financial Advisors. "It just seems like they're complicating things for no reason."

It's also noteworthy one must link one's e-mail address with the US government before opening / funding one of these accounts.  

Big Oil: Windfall 2Q26 Profits Due To Hormuz Situation -- July 6, 2026

Locator: 51122BIGOIL.

Link here. 

From the link:

The oil majors are set for windfall earnings for the second quarter, which saw crude oil prices jump to a four-year high due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The earnings at both ExxonMobil and Chevron are expected to have tripled in the April to June quarter compared to the first quarter, as the worst supply disruption in the history of oil markets crippled oil flows from the Middle East, triggered crude price spikes and heightened volatility, and depleted oil inventories, including in the United States.

Exxon is estimated to have booked $15.9 billion in adjusted net income, and Chevron’s earnings are seen at nearly $10 billion for the second quarter, more than threefold for both supermajors compared to their first-quarter profits, per analyst estimates compiled by LSEG and cited by Reuters.

The April-June earnings at all Big Oil companies are set to be the highest since 2022, the previous time oil prices hit $100 per barrel and above, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Six New Permits; Three DUCs Reported As Completed -- July 6, 2026

Locator: 51121B.

Trump Accounts: https://www.trumpaccounts.gov/.  

Big Oil: anticipating windfall 2Q26 profits due to Hormuz situation. Link here. And here.

Reports, not confirmed:

• Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized for over three weeks;
• possibly braindead
• immediately after it happened, Mrs Mitchell immediately flew to China and met with their VP
• my hunch:probably won't keep Mitch from voting. 

Rivian: guided Q2 revenue to - $1.6 billion

• expectations had been better (-$1.4 billion)
• shares plunged after hours
• also offering to sell 75 million shares to raise cash for a DOE loan
• however, guides revenue for 2Q26 - $1.6 billion vs $1.3 billion a year ago 
• Rivian basically erased all of its gains from the day  

BRK:

• BofA hits record high and BRK is a big winner

*************************************
Back to the Bakken 

WTI: $68.66.

Active rigs: 23.

Six new permits, #43088 - #43093, inclusive:

• Operator: Heberdev Operating
• Field: Northeast Foothills
• Comments:
• Heberdev Operating has permits for six Little Bit wells, NENW 19-161-91, 
• to be sited 459FNL and 1505 / 1715 FWL.

Three producing wells (DUCs) reported as completed:

• 41035, 585, BR, Phantom Ship 7C, McKenzie County;
• 42169, 385, Formentera Operations, FTH-22-34-BND S518HF, Burke County;
• 42357, 424, Formentera Operations, FTH-22-34-BND S511HF, Burke County;

Monday -- July 6, 2026

Locator: 51120B.

FIFA Soccer World Cup 26: FIFA may review the review of the "red card."

• today's game in prime time tonight, 7:00 p.m. CT
• round of 16; win or go home 

Market today: it's all about tech, today.

• Dow briefly goes over 53,000 for first time ever.
• NASDAQ flirting with 7,700. 

Apple extends partnership with Broadcom to 2031.

Bank of New York Mellon. With Robinhood, the bankers for Trump Accounts.

AI assistant: more and more -- references to folks having a personal AI assistant.      

• the next big thing: folks having on-going conversations with their PAIA while driving
• no more texting while driving. 
• a Fortune 500 company CEO said she already has a PAIA 

**********************************
Back to the Bakken 

WTI: $68.58.

New wells reporting: 

• Tuesday, July 7, 2026: 9 for the month, 9 for the quarter, 362 for the year, 
• 41620, conf, Devon Energy, Sanders 34-27 6H,
• Monday, July 6, 2026: 8 for the month, 8 for the quarter, 361 for the year,
• None. 
• Sunday, July 5, 2026: 8 for the month, 8 for the quarter, 361 for the year, 
• 42044, conf,  Phoenix Operating, Willow Gray 2-11-14-23 6H-LL
• 42043, conf,  Phoenix Operating, Willow Gray 2-11-14-23 5H
• 41699, conf, Hess, SC-Bingeman-154-98-0904H-7
• 41696, conf, Hess, SC-Bingeman-154-98-0904H-10,
• Saturday, July 4, 2026: 4 for the month, 4 for the quarter, 357 for the year, 
• 41229, conf,  Oasis, Roen 5202 41-24 3B,
• 40693, conf, Devon Energy, Skaar 15-22 8H, 

RBN Energy:hyperscalers taking steps to mitigate the impacts of their skyrocketing use of natural gas. Link here. Archived.

Many of the nation’s largest hyperscalers now acknowledge this simple fact: The need to rapidly ramp up the availability of around-the-clock electricity to power their new data centers gives companies like Amazon Google, Meta and Microsoft little choice but to rely heavily on natural gas-fired generation, at least for the near term. These gas-dependent plans conflict with long-stated “net zero” goals for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, however, so many of these same AI giants are taking aggressive steps to mitigate the environmental impact of their fast-rising gas use. In today’s RBN blog, we discuss their dilemma and a few of the approaches they are taking.

There are two primary drivers for U.S. gas demand in the late 2020s and early 2030s, namely the proliferation of new LNG export capacity along the Gulf Coast and a slew of new, energy-hungry data centers, most of them in a dozen or so key states. Due to the outsized role of these two markets, we’ve been blogging about them extensively — for example, in the past two and a half years, nearly 200 of our blogs made reference to existing or planned LNG export terminals and more than 100 blogs mentioned data centers and their massive energy requirements.

We also posted a Drill Down Report on data centers in April. The report’s title — Go Speed Racer Go — emphasized a critically important aspect of data center development: the perceived need among hyperscalers to get their projects up and running as quickly as humanly possible. And, along with the truckloads of Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices and other chips required for each facility, these data centers need reliable, 24/7 electric power — and lots of it — from the get-go. Estimates vary, but it’s safe to say that data centers totaling more than 200 gigawatts (GW) of new compute capacity are under active development in the U.S. and that most of that demand will be met (at least initially) by gas-fired generation. (As we’ll get to, some also are building new wind, solar, geothermal and battery storage; others are turning to nuclear.)

A portion of that gas-fired power will be supplied from the electric grid, but an increasing share will come from onsite, “behind-the-meter” (BTM) power plants that serve data centers directly. Again, “speed to market” is a major factor — for the most part, it takes considerably less time to site, permit, and construct a BTM plant than a conventional, grid-connected plant because of the sometimes years-long queues for grid connections.

The catch for many hyperscalers — and there’s always a catch, isn’t there? — is that powering most of their new data centers with GHG-generating natural gas conflicts with the goals they very publicly established years ago to quickly ratchet down their carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and other GHG emissions and achieve net-zero emissions in short order. For example, Microsoft has said its global operations will be carbon negative by 2030; Google originally committed to net-zero emissions and matching 100% of its energy use with carbon-free energy (also by 2030) but has since backed away from those goals; and Meta and Amazon continue to stand bky their net-zero aspirations -- Meta bky 2030 and Amazon by 2040.

Anticipation -- Sunday Night Futures At The Open -- July 4th Weekend -- July 5, 2026

Locator: 51119ANTICIPATION.

"You can howl at the wind, but AI is here to stay." 

Amazon: is now the biggest company in the world based on revenue -- 

 

Amazon at the top -- #1, Amazon. #2, GOOG. #4, AMD. 

On this particular list, the top 23 did not include Nvidia (NVDA) but it did include Amazon (AMZN) at #1.  

It's being reported that Jeff Bezos is starting to like President Trump. 

The Meme -- July 5, 2026

Locator: 51118SOPHIA.

Breaking: Norway just beat Brazil, 2 - 1. FIFA Soccer. 

My sister in Tucson (Arizona) when she hears someone say the Bakken isn't what it once was. 

All-Time Record -- US Field Production -- Crude Oil -- April, 2026 -- Posted July 5, 2026

Locator: 51117USFIELD.

Link here. 

Renewable Energy -- July 5, 2026

Locator: 51116RENEWABLES.

The cost of renewables:

Early Production Data For Wells Coming Off Confidential List This Next Week -- July 5,2026

Locator: 51115THEWELLS.

• 41546, conf, Oasis, Ellis 5602 13-17 4B, Strandahl,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
4-2026	20070	11262
3-2026	20529	11270
2-2026	16264	9671
1-2026	10996	5208

• 41918, conf, Murfin Drilling, MH Hecker 1-11H, St Anthony,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	5079	2514
4-2026	7126	4005
3-2026	6596	3587
2-2026	4931	3332
1-2026	11748	5005

• 40623, conf, Devon Energy, Skaar 15-22 6H, South Tobacco Garden,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	23255	60222
4-2026	30542	51613
3-2026	14872	23385
2-2026	30940	61815
1-2026	47113	85334

• 42042, conf, Phoenix Operating, Willow Gray 2-11-14-23 4H, Big Stone,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	23524	0
4-2026	17835	11167
3-2026	24004	6975
2-2026	23003	0
1-2026	8322	0

• 42041, conf, Phoenix Operating, Willow Gray 2-11-14-23 3H, Big Stone,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	24619	0
4-2026	15704	8619
3-2026	23863	7363
2-2026	25231	0
1-2026	7173	0

• 42040, conf, Phoenix Operating, Willow Gray 2-11-14-23 2H, Big Stone, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	23297	0
4-2026	18122	10923
3-2026	25087	7350
2-2026	24444	0
1-2026	7996	0

• 42039, conf, Phoenix Operating, Willow Gray 2-11-14-23 1H-LL, Big Stone,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	22524	0
4-2026	18308	10835
3-2026	24642	7609
2-2026	22883	0
1-2026	7877	0

• 41548, conf, Oasis, Ellis 5602 13-17 4B, Strandahl,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
4-2026	20127	12104
3-2026	19052	12042
2-2026	12558	8934
1-2026	13327	9454

• 41619, conf, Devon Energy, Sanders 34-27 5H, Ragged Butte, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	12478	18875
4-2026	19257	35528
3-2026	30204	39915
2-2026	33261	35087
1-2026	49510	45909

• 41917, conf, Murfin Drilling, MH Hecker 1-14H, St Anthony, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	5673	2733
4-2026	3463	1595
3-2026	2043	824
2-2026	3613	1464
1-2026	6981	4583

• 41232, conf, Oasis, Hoehn 5202 41-24 5B, Elk,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
4-2026	23178	17513
3-2026	21907	16198
2-2026	17278	12866
1-2026	15900	10785

• 41231, conf, Oasis, Hoehn 5202 41-24 4B, Elk, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
4-2026	22753	16847
3-2026	23214	17463
2-2026	21126	15231
1-2026	16711	11252

• 41230, conf, Oasis, Hoehn 5202 41-24 2B, Elk,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
4-2026	25057	17858
3-2026	18439	13048
2-2026	24923	17626
1-2026	19360	13017

• 41194, conf, Oasis, Hoehn 5202 41-24 3B, Elk, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
4-2026	23579	17073
3-2026	23678	17361
2-2026	19477	14418
1-2026	16388	10856

• 40624, conf, Devon Energy, Skaar 15-22 7H, South Tobacco Garden,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	20229	73038
4-2026	25605	50322
3-2026	11509	16924
2-2026	26146	51367
1-2026	51015	96088

• 41620, conf, Devon Energy, Sanders 34-27 6H, Ragged Butte, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	12996	23033
4-2026	16486	31235
3-2026	26108	40789
2-2026	36448	41337
1-2026	42772	44607

• 42044, conf,  Phoenix Operating, Willow Gray 2-11-14-23 6H-LL, Big Stone, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	25477	0
4-2026	15606	9371
3-2026	22484	6550
2-2026	24708	0
1-2026	8192	0

• 42043, conf,  Phoenix Operating, Willow Gray 2-11-14-23 5H, Big Stone,

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
5-2026	25477	0
4-2026	15606	9371
3-2026	22484	6550
2-2026	24708	0
1-2026	8192	0

• 41699, conf, Hess, SC-Bingeman-154-98-0904H-7, Truax, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
4-2026	18281	59525
3-2026	21361	49435
2-2026	25826	54358
1-2026	36011	67912

• 41696, conf, Hess, SC-Bingeman-154-98-0904H-10, Truax, 

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
4-2026	12575	47230
3-2026	17773	40214
2-2026	20469	43791
1-2026	25122	38059

The Best, Most American Dish We Have -- Today's Featured Article -- Sunday, July 5, 2026

Locator: 51114RECIPES.

Link here.  

Tax-Free Investing -- July 5, 2026

Locator: 51113RMDS.

See also this link. 

It's amazing. It seems that to whom everyone I mention that I love engaging with chatbots, they all say they don't like / trust/ use chatbots. They warn me that chatbots are not always correct. Well, duh, there are few people / things in life that are 100% completely error-free. 

To a person, they all say that if I use a chatbot, I need to be careful. Well, duh, that's also true with "everything" in life.

Tonight, working with a chatbot (Gemini) I now feel completely comfortable knowing much more about a Trump account. 

But after a long discussion with Gemini I solved another problem. I have two inherited IRAs (very small) and my own traditional IRAs which now require fairly large RMDs. I have taken the redemptions (minus the taxes) and placed them in, unfortunately, taxable accounts. But while discussing Trump Accounts with Gemini, I realized that I could turn around and place those RMDs in other tax-free accounts, like Trump accounts, or a "529." 

It's a given that this grandchild will have education expenses going forward, and moving money from one tax-free account (my personal IRAs -- the RMDs) into another tax-free account makes a lot of sense. 

So, a two-for me tonight: Gemini helped me understand a Trump account a whole lot better, and during the discussion it dawned on me how one can move money (RMDs) to another tax-free account (the "529 plan" already set up) -- and completely tax-free if used for education. 

By the way, I learned that I can chose the way I want to invest in that 529. 

Again, same link as the link at the top of the page, but important enough to link it twice. 

**********************************
Disclaimer

Briefly: 

I am inappropriately exuberant about the Bakken and I am often well out front of my headlights. I am often appropriately accused of hyperbole when it comes to the Bakken.

I am inappropriately exuberant about the US economy and the US market.

I am also inappropriately exuberant about all things Apple.

See disclaimer. This is not an investment site. 

Disclaimer: this is not an investment site. Do not make any investment, financial, job, career, travel, or relationship decisions based on what you read here or think you may have read here. All my posts are done quickly: there will be content and typographical errors. If something appears wrong, it probably is. Feel free to fact check everything.

If anything on any of my posts is important to you, go to the source. If/when I find typographical / content errors, I will correct them. 

Reminder: I am inappropriately exuberant about the Bakken, US economy, and the US market.

I am also inappropriately exuberant about all things Apple. 

And now, Nvidia, also. I am also inappropriately exuberant about all things Nvidia. Nvidia is a metonym for AI and/or the sixth industrial revolution. 

I've now added Broadcom to the disclaimer. I am also inappropriately exuberant about all things Broadcom. Now, I've added Amazon. And QCOM.

Longer version here.  

 

Trump Accounts --This Is Becoming "Go Fund Me On Steroids" -- July 4, 2026

Locator: 51112TRUMPACCOUNTS.

Dell announces $250 to these Trump accounts. Prior to today's announcement:

Meanwhile, Warren Buffett has paused his philanthropic plan.  

Happy Birthday! 250 Years Old -- July 4, 2026

It's really amazing how our 250th birthday happened to fall on a Saturday -- Friday is the federal holiday. Sunday we will rest / recover from our amazing birthday party and then hunker down and get back to work on Monday. 

It would have been even better had the 4th fallen on a Friday and we would have had a four-day weekend as the government told us to "shut 'er down" on Thursday. Trump did what he could but not declaring Thursday and Friday will be seen as a missed opportunity. 

Seriously, did anyone do anything critical for the nation two days ago that we couldn't have shut 'er down then? 

Link here.  Shut 'er down.

META And Mark Zuckerberg Turning Out To Be The Most Agressive AI Champion -- July 4, 2026

Locator: 51111META.

Query: Is META and Mark Zuckerberg turning out to be the most aggressive AI champion?

Reply:

Happy Birthday -- USA -- 250 Years Old -- July 4, 2026

 

Micron HBM Chips -- Trending Toward 90% Margins -- Reported Earlier -- A Bit More Color, As They Say -- July 4, 2026

Locator: 51110MICRON.

Link here. 

Something tells me, MU's chart will look a lot different next week.

I like seeing these words regarding AI chips all in the same paragraph: staggering, record, completely booked, $1 trillion market cap, surging, explosive growth.

Cocktail Chatter -- But You Would Need Paper And A Pen -- Singapore -- July 3, 2026

Locator: 51109SINGAPORE.

This curve will invert under an AOC presidency.

META'S Third Generation MTIA AI Chips -- This Is Huge -- July 3, 2026

Locator: 51108META.

Tag: Broadcom. 

Note META'S third generation MTIA AI chips. Also note the long term relationship between META and Broadcom. 

"You can howl at the wind, but AI is here to stay."