... Profits Recent financial reports from German automakers show a worrying decline in performance. Specifically: Mercedes-Benz reported a 64% drop in profits to €1.2 billion, with profitability plummeting from 12.4% to 4.7%—its lowest level since the pandemic. BMW saw profits decline from €4.352 billion in the third quarter of 2023 to €1.7 billion, signaling significant challenges for a company once considered financially resilient. Volkswagen is even considering closing three plants in Germany,...

... the economy is growing steadily, the Central Bank can slightly increase the key rate to avoid overheating the economy. This helps control inflation and maintain price stability. During a crisis. In an economic crisis or recession (for example, after a pandemic), the Central Bank often reduces the key rate to support businesses and the population. This makes loans more accessible and helps to restore the economy faster. How often does the key rate change? The Central Bank reviews the key rate regularly,...

... allowing Berkshire to invest in several companies under favorable conditions during the height of the panic (e.g., Goldman Sachs and General Electric) and garner significant profits thereafter. Similarly, in 2020-2021, when markets were recovering from the pandemic, Berkshire was not in a hurry to exhaust all accumulated capital but instead invested selectively (in the oil and gas sectors and others), waiting for more obvious imbalances in valuations. Now, Buffett once again demonstrates his famous patience: ...

... dietary supplements market are underpinned by demographic and social factors: the proportion of the elderly population is increasing, the incidence of chronic diseases is rising, and patients are increasingly seeking preventive solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified the trend towards strengthening immunity and awareness of nutraceuticals. Meanwhile, Western sanctions and import restrictions have weakened competition from foreign brands (Herbalife, Amway, Bayer, etc.), giving local ...

... and other factors. Non-market risks may include economic factors (economic crises, inflation, interest rate changes), political factors (government instability, legal changes, sanctions), and various force majeure events (such as natural disasters or pandemics). Such events can negatively impact the value of investments, even if the chosen instruments themselves are reliable. Risk of Asset Price Decline One of the most obvious market risks is the risk of a decline in the market price of a purchased ...