Dear Partners and Investors,
In recent days, we have seen escalating rhetoric around trade tariffs, significant volatility in the stock markets, and mounting economic uncertainty. With President Trump’s recent threat to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods—a move that sent tremors through global markets—it is understandable that some might feel anxious. However, history and experience remind us that these moments often present extraordinary opportunities.
John D. Rockefeller famously said, “The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets.” While the imagery is vivid, it underscores a critical point: true wealth-building opportunities frequently arise during times of heightened fear and uncertainty.
At BluWater, our core focus has always been on hard assets—assets you can touch, hold, and feel. Real estate, aircraft, and yachts represent physical, tangible investments that carry intrinsic value irrespective of market cycles. Unlike stocks or bonds, these tangible assets provide stability and reassurance, particularly during turbulent times.
Real estate has historically proven resilient, delivering steady returns and acting as an effective hedge against inflation and market volatility. Notable downturns, including the 2008 financial crisis, have shown that savvy investors who bought strategically during periods of uncertainty benefited tremendously in the long run.
Aircraft and yachts are mobile assets that retain significant value globally. They can literally move with market demand, offering not just financial stability but geographic flexibility. Assets such as private aircraft and yachts continue to hold international appeal and liquidity, particularly during periods of economic unrest or regional instability. Specifically, we anticipate attractive opportunities arising from market shifts, such as discounted acquisitions in higher-end aviation and maritime assets. Historically, these periods see a temporary repricing of premium private aircraft and yachts, creating unique windows to secure exceptional assets at advantageous valuations.
It is crucial to remember that President Trump’s tariff strategy, though aggressive in rhetoric, is fundamentally a public negotiation. Historically, such high-stakes negotiations often begin with bluster but conclude with strategic compromise, ultimately benefiting the United States. As the world’s largest economy, the U.S. holds substantial leverage, and we have already seen smaller trade partners move swiftly toward zero-tariff agreements to preserve access to our vast market. Larger partners, including the EU and Canada, are likely to follow suit and negotiate mutually beneficial trade terms to regain preferential access. China, in particular, faces severe economic consequences if it fails to reach a mutually beneficial deal with the U.S., as the American market is critical to its economy—which has already experienced significant disruption, even before these tariff issues. Additionally, India, historically a challenging market for the U.S., has recently signaled its willingness to become a much stronger trade partner.
At BluWater, we have successfully navigated multiple economic disruptions in the past, emerging stronger each time. Rather than viewing current conditions with concern, we see them as rare and exciting opportunities to make strategically advantageous investments. Our experienced investment team has proactively positioned itself with liquidity and due diligence processes to swiftly capitalize on these exceptional opportunities as they arise.
We believe the current environment, though unsettling, is poised to become one of the greatest buying opportunities of our lifetime. History repeatedly teaches us that maintaining composure and seizing strategic opportunities during times of turmoil separates successful long-term investors from short-term speculators.
Rest assured, BluWater is actively monitoring these developments and remains committed to identifying and capitalizing on the most advantageous opportunities across our portfolio. Your continued trust and confidence allow us to navigate these waters effectively, positioning us all for sustained long-term growth.
Warm regards,
Blake Plumley
Chairman & CEO
The BluWater Group
