IRS Tax App, Pentagon Audit Failure, S&P 500 Hits 6500 by 2024, Ep. 300

In the latest episode of the "Capitalist Investor," hosts Diamond Hands D and Tony, along with guest Dave Abate, dive into several trending subjects in the world of finance, technology, and government policy. From IRS tax apps to Pentagon budget audits, here are the five hot topics covered in this week's lively discussion.

1. IRS Tax App Revival

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are making waves with their attempt to reintroduce and modernize an IRS tax app designed to simplify tax filings. The idea is to create a pre-populated, mobile-friendly platform that would potentially render services like TurboTax and H&R Block less necessary. The hosts debate the feasibility and efficiency of government-run software while acknowledging that the IRS currently allows free filing, albeit without the seamless, automated features envisioned for the revamped app.

2. Pentagon's Budget Audit Failure

The Pentagon has failed its seventh consecutive budget audit, revealing significant financial management issues in a department with an $824 billion budget. The cost of conducting the audit was nearly $200 million. The hosts explore the complexities of auditing a department that deals in highly classified black ops projects and the potential for significant wastage and inefficiency within its vast budget.

3. Government Spending and Fiscal Responsibility

Vivek Ramaswamy highlighted the fiscal irresponsibility of various government departments in a recent tweet. The Department of Education, USDA, and AmeriCorp all failed to receive clean audits on their multimillion-dollar budgets. The hosts discuss the challenges of supporting tax increases when substantial inefficiencies and wastages persist in current spending.

4. Goldman Sachs' Market Prediction

Goldman Sachs has boldly predicted that the S&P 500 could reach 6,500 by the end of the year. The hosts provide their takes on this optimistic forecast, with some skepticism about the market's ability to sustain its current trajectory. While the market's rapid rise has been notable, the hosts caution against the reliance on such forecasts given the unpredictable nature of economic factors and market sentiment.

5. The Resurgence of Bitcoin

Bitcoin's soaring value continues to captivate the financial community, with discussions about its potential to hit $100,000 per coin. The hosts examine the factors driving this surge, including speculation about government involvement in cryptocurrency investments. They also talk about the psychological barriers investors might face as Bitcoin reaches new milestones, emphasizing the potential for continued upward momentum given the current market dynamics.

Conclusion

This episode of the "Capitalist Investor" provides a comprehensive overview of some of the most compelling topics in finance and tech today. From tax apps to market predictions and the future of cryptocurrency, the hosts offer insightful analysis and spirited debate, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of investing.