Chapter 33: A Very Exhaustive Day
After a long day of visiting various warehouse locations, Michael found himself deep in thought while riding the bus back home. Each warehouse he visited had its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but a recurring theme in his discussions with the different sales agents was their eagerness to close a deal. They showcased the best features of their properties, emphasizing the strategic locations, the state-of-the-art facilities, and flexible lease terms. However, as Michael listened to their pitches, he couldn't shake off a growing realization.
The more he thought about it, the clearer it became that committing to a warehouse at this stage of his business might not be the wisest move. The idea of renting a space, investing in renovations to suit his high-tech manufacturing requirements, and then potentially having to move once his operation expanded seemed like an unnecessary risk. Such a move would not only delay production but could also halt his profit margin during the transition period. This inefficiency was something Michael wanted to avoid at all costs.
Michael's decision to delay acquiring a warehouse led him to refocus his strategy on growing his current funds. With seventeen million pesos in hand, he knew he had a solid foundation but also recognized the need for a significant increase to reach his ultimate goal of purchasing property outright for his business venture. This would not only give him the stability and permanence he desired but also allow him to customize the space from the ground up without the constraints of a rental agreement.
Given his recent success in the casino and his knack for stock trading, Michael saw these as viable paths to increase his capital. He had already proven to himself that he could navigate the high-risk, high-reward world of gambling, but he was also aware of the pitfalls.
That way, he doesn't have to deal with the greedy investors that would often trick start-ups into giving up a lot of their equity shares in exchange for a small investment. Michael was determined to maintain control over his business and its direction without external pressures dictating his decisions.
His train of thought was interrupted by a message from his mother.
[When are you going home? It's almost midnight.]
Michael glanced at the time on his phone, surprised by how late it had gotten. The bus ride had given him a rare opportunity to think without distractions, and he hadn't noticed the hours slipping by. He quickly typed a response.
[On my way back now, Ma. Should be home in about an hour. Don't wait up for me.]
As dawn approached, Michael completed the final touches on the AI tool. He initiated a test run, inputting a small set of stock market data to see how the tool would perform. To his amazement, the predictions were not only accurate but also provided insights that would have been impossible to discern with conventional analysis tools.
Exhausted but exhilarated, Michael leaned back in his chair, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. This is revolutionary.
Now he made a prediction a week ago about cryptocurrency crashing in the near future, so Michael tested that prediction with the newly implemented AI tool. The AI analyzed the current trends, historical data, and market sentiments, processing the information at a speed and depth no human could match. Within minutes, it generated a comprehensive report, predicting a significant digital market downturn around mid-2024, aligning closely with Michael's initial speculation.
"Shit...the digital market is really going to crash," Michael muttered under his breath.
This is another opportunity to increase his balance, by shorting stocks of high-profile cryptocurrencies that would likely take a hit during the predicted digital meltdown. With that Michael started compiling a list of cryptocurrencies he intended to short. He focused on those with the highest market capitalization and liquidity, as these would allow for substantial trades without significantly impacting the market before his moves. He considered Bitcoin, Ethereum, and several other altcoins that had shown volatility and susceptibility to market sentiment in the past.
Michael opened a spreadsheet and began listing the cryptocurrencies, alongside their current market values, trading volumes, and historical performance trends. He used the AI tool to simulate various scenarios, identifying which cryptocurrencies were most likely to experience the steepest declines.
For each cryptocurrency, he planned his entry and exit points. Michael knew that timing would be critical; entering the trades too early could mean missing out on potential gains before the crash while entering too late could result in catching a falling knife. He set alerts for specific price triggers based on the AI's predictions, allowing him to execute trades at optimal moments.
Next, Michael researched the best platforms for short-selling cryptocurrencies, considering their fees, leverage options, and the reliability of their service during high-volatility periods. He prioritized platforms with robust security measures to protect his investments from potential cyber threats, a common risk in the crypto space.
As he finalized his list, Michael set up his trading accounts, funding them with a portion of his current capital. He decided to allocate funds strategically across different platforms to diversify risk. He also set aside a reserve fund, keeping it in more stable assets as a precaution.
As the first light of day crept into his room, Michael gasped inwardly.
Oh...today is when I'm going to meet my teammates," Michael mumbled. He closed his laptop and prepared for the day ahead, without resting.