Since the Latin American debt crisis broke out, Mexico and these Latin American countries had not attracted any significant investments.
Tesla opening a factory in such a scenario was truly something new. Or maybe they simply lacked a broader vision.
"Filson, it's okay if we don't have loans. We now turn to the real economy; it's reasonable to have less borrowing."
"Alright, I got it, sir."
"Communicate with the other side; safety at the factory is very important. I don't want any issues on that front." William White knew they needed to clarify this matter early. The current calm would soon face trials.
A large car factory directly employed over ten thousand workers. In combination with supporting factories and industries, it could create job opportunities for a hundred thousand people with no trouble. When workers had money, they naturally wanted to spend and enjoy. Thus, the city would regain its vitality.
In contrast, Montreal was much simpler. Honestly speaking, if not for the trouble caused by the British, that whole continent would be one nation. The demographic composition here was simpler than in the U.S.; there weren't as many minorities or a large population.
Although so close to the U.S., the workers here were far better. They wouldn't engage in constant negotiations with the boss over every little issue, nor would they walk off at the drop of a hat.
In a bid to pressure the Justice Department, someone took away thousands of job opportunities. It had to be said; such a reckless attitude really left people speechless.
...
"How about the new guy? Does anyone know him well?" In the oval office, a somewhat older guy, still sprightly, said.
"Sir, the new head of the Justice Department is quite cautious and prudent. He's a seasoned individual."
"Well, that's good. It's almost Christmas, and I'd like a little peace. Is that William White guy still skipping the New Year's gala? Is he off to Lanai again?"
"He shouldn't. He has a daughter now. He'll probably spend Christmas in Texas; that's how the White family usually does it."
...
William White, holding his daughter, he felt incredibly happy.
"Alright, Meiko, let's head back to LA together. The little one's grown up. She doesn't need to cling onto you all the time anymore."
"Okay, sorry for troubling you."
"Hey, what's up with that? You don't have to be so uptight! Plus, you're a role model for the kid. I don't want her growing up meek."
"Got it, I'll be mindful."
...
Good times always felt too short. Now that his business had expanded, he couldn't afford to take more than half a month off like he used to.
At the start of the new year, the U.S. stock market remained strong. Major trading markets worldwide were flourishing.
Among these, the most dazzling was undoubtedly Japan. Any assets tied to the yen saw a surge across the board.
Now it seemed that America's economic strategy was working; that dreadful economic crisis appeared to have subsided. It was time to enjoy the good life.
The thoughts of the bystanders didn't affect the big corporations. They had sensed looming risks, though only the nature of that risk remained uncertain.
"Is the White Fund still unloading?" One of the traders at Morgan Stanley rubbed his tired eyes.
"Yes, manager, although the volume is limited, the selling is quite decisive."
"It doesn't make sense; all the data looks pretty good. What's going on?"
"Manager, they're repaying loans. They had a significant debt ratio not long ago."
"Hmm, keep a close watch."
...
With hindsight, the 1987 stock market crash was indeed severe, but it didn't change the overall picture. In a way, it felt more like a strong shakeout.
After this turmoil, some solid companies took off. If one lacked resolve, there was no way to hold onto stocks long-term.
William White chose to sell only financial stocks. On that front, the think tank was far more knowledgeable than he was -- far from his level.
Before long, the financial consortium stopped paying attention to William White. They noticed that market sentiment was extremely high, and those sold-off shares did nothing to slow down the stock's upward momentum.
Warren Buffett often said that when others are greedy, be cautious. Ha! That guy's out there buying stocks like there's no tomorrow! Those classic lines? Just fluff. Don't take 'em too seriously.
That old-timer was merely a figure propped up by the Federal Reserve. Many of the stocks he held were actually original shares; how could that be compared to anything? If someone could still lose money like that, they might as well jump off a building.
Though Buffett and Soros were names to know, they didn't yet reach the level of importance White needed to pay attention to.
Of course, with that said, William White didn't lower his guard. If those two made a move, it signified the Federal Reserve had plans. Dealing with surface-level characters was straightforward, but handling the behind-the-scenes players was another ballgame entirely.
...
"Sir, the Hong Kong stocks are a bit bonkers. Real estate is skyrocketing; this isn't normal."
"Yeah, the stocks indeed have issues; you can short them all you want. But real estate is different. You know, Filson, as long as you have enough assets, you can hope for it to rise as high as you want."
"Sir, are you saying their capacity is limited?"
"Haha, that's exactly it. The prices in Japan have climbed too high, presenting risks, but Hong Kong doesn't have that issue. Their policy seems to encourage speculation in real estate."
"Speculation? If they operate like the stock market, that would be really scary."
"Heh, so as long as that policy doesn't change, I plan to hold onto it long-term."
"Got it. Since you aren't looking to sell short-term, we should set up a leasing department."
"Right, that's what I mean."
The auction system in Hong Kong did change later, due to high property prices causing public discontent.
*****
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