Premier Players Magazine December 2023 Edition

RELATIONSHIPS / HEALTH / FINANCE / GIVING BACK

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10 Things To Keep In Mind When

Lifting Weights What kind of A Teammate Are You

Investing Trends You Don’t Want To Miss

In A Relationship

Money Moves

DEC 2023

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Tony Bradford Jr. Earns 2023 Solomon Award

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TABLE OF CONTENT Investing Trends You Don’t Want To Miss FOUNDER

Things To Keep In Mind When Lifting Weights

Carnell Moore 813-833-3495

What Kind of Teammate Are You In A Relationship

EDITOR/CONTRIBUTORS

Bradford Earns 2023 Freddie Solomon Spirit Award

Carnell Moore Will Ashworth Sayan Ghosh OC Relationship Center Matthew Dowdy

AADVISORY BOARD Jordan A. Moore Executive Director Carlos McCain DCRG Solutions Dr. Albert Kabemba Medical Director, ANR Clinic Carnell Moore

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Jan. 1

2024

3 Big-Money Investing Trends

You Don’t Want to Miss in 2024 In 2023 it’s safe to say that the biggest investing trends were artificial intelligence (AI) stocks and the “Magnificent Seven.” You could probably retire if you bet on all seven tech stocks in the past year.

But now it’s time to look ahead to what the top investing trends in 2024 will be.

There’s no question that interest rates will affect what investing trends play out next year. “Central banks will have to get the balance correct between tightening just enough and easing quickly enough,” says Serena Tang, Chief Global Cross-Asset Strategist at Morgan Stanley Research. “For investors, 2024 should be all about threading the needle and looking for small openings in markets that can generate positive returns.”

While it’s always hard to know what will pop and when, keeping a finger on the pulse is the first step in making smart investments throughout the year.

With that being said, here are three 2024 investing trends that investors should be paying attention to.

1. Small Caps Make a Comeback The Russell 2000 is the most popular of the smallcap stock indexes. Approximately 81% of $1.67 trillion in institutional assets use the index as their benchmark. In 2023, the Russell 2000 is up just over 3%, about one-sixth the performance of the S&P 500.

Over the past decade, small-cap stocks have been the top-performing asset class on just two occasions (2013 and 2016). However, when they perform, they perform well, which is why small caps are the second-best performing asset of the past decade through the end of 2022.

Small cap stocks have failed to lead all of the major asset classes every year since 2016, but it’s time for them to return to the head of the table in 2024.

Reversion to the mean is just around the corner.

“As LSEG I/B/E/S estimates show, the estimated earnings growth rate for the Russell 2000 is expected to improve from -11% in 2023 to +31% in 2024; one reason there may be attractive opportunities in the small-cap universe,” states Charles Schwab’s 2024 U.S. outlook.

Schwab also points out that the Russell 2000’s forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 21.4, 370 basis points ahead of its current trailing P/E. The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM) is an excellent way to take advantage of potential small cap growth in 2024.

2. Sustainable Investing Takes Off A CNN Business article from Oct. 23 said that environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) investing was “fundamentally broken” and dying on Wall Street.

“In the U.S., assets under management in ESG funds declined from $339 billion in the second quarter to $315 billion by the end of September,” CNN Business reported. But to paint ESG investing with such a negative broad stroke is likely to be off the mark for 2024. ESG investing has been badly hurt in the past 12 to 18 months from institutional investors, and full acceptance by institutional and

retail investors will take much longer than initially thought. But there is no turning back and Barenberg Bank believes a big theme in ESG in 2024 will be “transition investing.”

While much of the sustainable investing focus up until this point has been on overtly sustainable organizations, companies considered part of the transition investing market have a plan for decarbonization that they intend to stick to. The focus for transition investing is more on companies that will be making positive changes versus ones that were already there. For example, Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) is one stock to consider under transition investing as it is doing more than most oil and gas producers regarding carbon capture and storage.

3. Non-U.S. Investments Get Love Vanguard’s 2024 outlook suggests U.S. equities are overvalued compared to those outside the country.

“Valuations are most stretched in the U.S. As a result, we have downgraded our U.S. equity return expectations to an annualized 4.2%–6.2% over the next 10 years from 4.4%–6.4% heading into 2023,” Vanguard states.

It goes on to suggest that the best opportunities in equities in 2024 exist outside the U.S. “U.S. equities have continued to outperform their international peers. The key drivers of this performance gap over the last two years have been valuation expansion and U.S. dollar strength beyond our fair-value estimates, both of which are likely to reverse. … We project 10-year annualized returns of 7.0%–9.0% for non-U.S. developed markets and 6.6%–8.6% for emerging markets.”

The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (NYSEARCA:VEU), which owns approximately 2,200 stocks outside the U.S., generated a cumulative five-year return of 21%, less than half the S&P Composite 1500. When you consider how badly non-U.S. stocks have performed over the past five years, it makes sense that they should outperform over the next 5-10 years. When looking to implement this top investing trend for 2024, investors should look at VEU or other broad-based non-U.S. equity ETFs. On the date of publication, writer Will Ashworth did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

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10 Things To Keep In Mind When You Start Lifting Weights 1. Master the Right Technique Beginning with proper form is paramount in your weightlifting journey. It's not just about targeting the right muscles, but it's also your shield against injuries.

If you're uncertain about your form, consider investing in a personal trainer or exploring instructional videos online. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for a successful and safe lifting experience.

your form. This gradual approach significantly reduces the risk of overexertion and potential injuries.

3. Warm Up Strategically Never underestimate the importance of warming up.

It's your secret weapon against workout-related injuries. A proper warm-up, which can include activities like jogging or dynamic stretching, boosts blood flow, loosens your joints, and wakes up your muscles, preparing them for the upcoming demands of your workout.

4. Breathe with Precision Don't overlook the significance of proper breathing techniques. When exerting force, exhale, and when relaxing, inhale deeply. This rhythmic breathing not only ensures your muscles receive the oxygen they need, but also stabilizes your core, enhancing your overall performance and safety.

2. Start with Light Weights If you're new to the world of weightlifting, ease into it with lighter weights. Think of it as dipping your toes into the pool before taking the plunge. Lighter weights allow your body to acclimate to this new challenge and give you the opportunity to perfect

5. Diversify Your Routine Avoid going all-in on a single muscle group. Craft a well-rounded workout plan that targets different areas of your body. Neglecting certain muscles can lead to imbalances, which may eventually result in

injuries or hinder your progress, limiting your overall fitness gains.

6. Gradual Progression As your strength improves, resist the temptation to leap to heavier weights. Gradually increase the resistance to implement the principle of progressive overload. This method challenges your muscles at an appropriate pace, encourages growth, and minimizes the risk of overexertion or injury.

“Remember, great things take time, so stay dedicated . . .”

7. Rest Intelligently Allocate sufficient rest intervals between sets, typically around 1-2 minutes. These brief breaks allow your muscles to recharge, ensuring you bring your best effort to each set and maintain peak performance throughout your workout.

8. Stay Hydrated Water is your workout ally. Dehydration can negatively impact your performance and recovery. Sip water before, during, and after your workout to maintain optimal hydration levels, supporting your body in achieving its best during exercise.

9. Listen to Your Body Pay close attention to your body's signals during your workout. If you experience sensations beyond the usual muscle fatigue, such as pain or discomfort, it's essential to stop immediately. Ignoring such signals can lead to long-term issues and compromise your fitness goals.

10. Nutrition Matters Fuel your body with a balanced diet that includes an adequate intake of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Protein plays a critical role in muscle growth and repair, ensuring your body has the necessary nutrients to recover and become stronger with each workout session. Proper nutrition is the foundation for a successful weightlifting journey.

Thus, prioritizing proper form, starting with weights that suit your current level, warming up effectively, and staying hydrated, are all key ingredients for a successful fitness journey. Listening to your body and

keeping your workouts diverse will help you avoid injuries and keep things interesting.

Remember, great things take time, so stay dedicated, stay patient, and don't forget to celebrate every little achievement along the way. Your path to a healthier, stronger you is an exciting and fulfilling adventure.

Story by Sayan Ghosh

In A Relationship

What Kind of Teammate Are You?

Of what can make or break a relationship, a lot is to be learned from great team sports. The analogies are all there. Consider the “ball hog”: the one who thinks they’re so good, they’d rather try and win as a team of one, shouldering all responsibility while alienating teammates. Other players have the opposite problem - they have trouble seeing when the perfect shot is theirs for the taking or pass the ball instead of going for it even when they’re in the better position to score. Their insecurities get the better of them, limiting their potential contributions to the team.

Each type of player shares a similar problem, even if they come at it from opposite angles: they’re more concerned with themselves than the team. The “ball hog” wants to win at all costs, and, let’s be honest, probably doubts the abilities of others compared to his or her own. He or she is overly

frustrated by others’ mistakes and undermines team morale. The “hesitator,” on the other hand is unduly deferent. That can represent its own form of selfishness by trying to avoid the embarrassment of missing a shot or losing face in the eyes of their teammates.

The best teams are made up of neither ball hogs nor hesitators but team players who want to be the best they can be as individuals while also playing to the strengths of their teammates. They build each other up instead of tearing each other down.

Many of the same personalities and behaviors apply to relationships, because relationships require teamwork. What kind of player would you be? Do you tend to think of yourself as the more capable partner, the one who takes on all the responsibility because you don’t trust your partner to do it? Are you overly critical of your partner’s

team. Unless you united with your partner for the most superficial of reasons—which seems doubtful, because who really wants to spend their life with someone who brings nothing to the relationship but perhaps good looks?—you’re doing both of you a disservice by not valuing or listening to their opinion.

Which brings me to the most important point of all: 3. Building positive morale in relationships is about making decisions that work for both of you and solving difficult problems together. When challenges arise—illness, financial hardship, and other painful issues—you want to have honed your teamwork skills ahead of time, because you’re a lot stronger working together than apart. choices or opinions? Does your partner feel shut out of decisions? Or do you identify more with the hesitator—automatically deferring to your partner, playing down your own abilities to avoid any responsibilities in the relationship?

Without a doubt, these types play off each other to the detriment of both. If your partner seems dominant, critical or overbearing, it’s that much easier to step back and act as a minor player rather than a true teammate. You may be thinking, why should I even try when it seems nothing I do is ever good enough? This, however, only reinforces your partner’s view of you as someone unable or unwilling to make decisions. He or she increasingly feels that everything is, in fact, up to them, and behaves accordingly.

So how do you exchange these roles in favor of effective teamwork? A few suggestions: 1. Remember that you chose to be on this “team” or in this relationship for a reason. So even if things haven’t work out that way recently, it’s not too late to start recognizing and asserting the unique skills and assets you each bring to the relationship. If the more passive partner knows they have good financial sense but has been letting their partner make all the money decisions, considering changing roles. Over time, you might find the one who has always run the household budget but never really had much interest in doing so in the first place and is grateful to be relieved of it.

2. If you have developed a ball-hog mentality, step back and remember, again, that you chose to be on a

As with sports, the key to relationships is practice, practice, practice. Learn from past mistakes. Put up a common front. Cheer each other on. Even if you don’t win every game—and you probably won’t— you might have a better chance at a winning season and a relationship that stands the test of time.

If you feel that you need help improving your skills in working together instead of against each other in your relationship, you’re not alone. Please give OC Relationship Center a call at 949-220-3211. Our licensed counselors are here for you. www.OCRelationshipCenter.com

Texas Tech DL Tony Bradford Jr. Earns

Freddie Solomon Community Spirit Award

Tony Bradford Jr. has become a staple throughout Lubbock more for his work in the community than possibly on the field. That statement isn't meant to downplay his contributions athletically where he has made more than 110 tackles the past four-plus seasons, including 26.0 for a loss and 11.0 sacks, as a key starter on the defensive line. Bradford, though, has been a vocal proponent in getting the Red Raiders active in the Lubbock community on a regular basis and also seeking positive change throughout West Texas.

Because of those efforts and more, the Solomon Family named Bradford the recipient of the 2023 Freddie Solomon Community Spirit Award. The annual award recognizes student-athletes for helping make the world a better place by impacting the lives of others through community service.

Other candidates for the award included: Max Michel, DE, Buffalo Noah Nicklin, OL, Wayne State JJ Weaver, OLB, Kentucky Trent Maddox, QB, Ashland

Elija McAllister, OLB, Auburn Ja’Mion Franklin, DT, Duke Chase Griffin, QB, UCLA Brian Dooley, OL, Eastern Michigan Dakereon Joyner, RB, South Carolina Xavier McDonald, OLB, Navy “After reviewing the qualifications of a competitive collection of nominations, it was very difficult to select this year’s recipient,” said Freddie Solomon’s widow, Delilah “Dee” Solomon. “After a thorough process to determine who best represents GATORADE PERFORM what Freddie Solomon embodied, Mr. Bradford’s THIRST QUENCHER dedication to academics, skills as an athlete, and service to the community are what stood out. It was our pleasure to reviewElectrolytes the high-quality studentTo Help athletes and recognize him as the winner of this Replace What You award.”

Bradford, a team captain each of theOut past three Sweat seasons, is the driving force behind a Texas Tech football program that has committed more than 3,000 hours of community service the past three years alone. Bradford is involved in some way in

nearly each of those events as he helps organize players to visit local elementary schools, the Ronald McDonald House, the Texas Boys Ranch, South Plains Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Burgers and Badges and area children's homes. The Red Raiders have also organized voter-registration drives and worked to clean up city parks in underprivileged areas of Lubbock. Bradford is also an invited speaker to several youth events in the community and is always willing to volunteer his time to give back to future generations of students similar to him.

"We are so proud of how Tony Bradford represents Texas Tech Athletics and our football program each and every day. His story alone is an inspiration to every member of our locker room, said TTU Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt.

“However, that's not enough for Tony, though, as he has made it his mission since the first day he stepped foot on campus to make everyone around him better.”

Possibly his biggest impact has been felt on the youth of tomorrow as Bradford regularly meets with local youth athletes to encourage them to be a positive example for their community. Following the murder of George Floyd, Bradford helped organize community cleanups and voter registration drives in East Lubbock not far from the Texas Tech campus.

While there, he was able to encourage and ultimately brighten the day of many underserved youth in East Lubbock through pick-up basketball games and various other activities. Bradford also helped organize peace walks on the Texas Tech campus and in East Lubbock to promote injustice issues and need for peace in communities. Bradford has continued his work with local youth in the years after Floyd’s tragic death.

“He told me early in his time here that 'this place is my home now, so it's my job to make it better,’” said Hocutt. “That type of commitment has made Texas Tech Athletics and West Texas a better place for all of us.”

In addition to his role in the community, Bradford has taken steps to advance his future career in law enforcement by serving as a security guard with the Texas Tech Police Department.

Bradford, who lists becoming a police chief as his goal after football, has worked with the police department each of the past four spring semesters and summers to gain valuable knowledge of the profession. Thus, during the spring, Bradford will

Bradford was named the 2023 recipient of the Pop Warner College Football Award on December 5th.

often go from a morning workout, to a class to potentially riding along with a member of the Texas Tech police department to protect his peers on campus. He regularly worked Texas Tech's home basketball events, assisting with traffic control and in-venue security. His future work in law enforcement stems from his desire to not only help others but also to “be the change in the community.” In his words, for society to change for the better, it will take leaders like himself to be part of that positive change.

The respect Bradford has gained off the field has led to a bigger voice for important topics on campus and within the Big 12 Conference. Bradford is a longtime member of the Texas Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was selected in 2021 and 2022 to represent the university as part of the Big 12 Champions for Life campaign. With that, he was able to attend the Big 12's annual meetings as a studentathlete voice and toGATORADE also be recognized for his work PERFORM in the community. Bradford has been previously QUENCHER selected as one of twoTHIRST Big 12 representatives on the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee Student-Athlete Connection Group. He was Electrolytes To Help previously recognized for his work in the community Youas and for making the cityReplace of Lubbock What a better place part of the 2022 AFCA Good Works Team.

Sweat Out

Article co-written by Premier Players Sports Foundation & TTU Assistant AD & Athletics Communications Matthew Dowdy.