Richie spoke as if the process of bringing children into the world was the hardest work in the world. This brought a roar of mirth to Gerald that he didn't even bother to hide. The man laughed heartily.
- Dad, what about your promise?
"You mean working in an office?" Gerald asked. "Have you changed your mind yet?"
"No!" Richard shook his head. "I want to get a good look at the family finances."
"Commendable zeal, son," Gerald smiled warmly. "Of course, I'll keep my promise, but... Hmm... You finished elementary school, after all, and that deserves a reward. Being a courier doesn't exactly sound like a prize. Tell me, Richie, what would you like for a present?"
- Dad, can I ask for whatever I want?
"Yes, but within reason," Gerald smiled slyly and added, "I won't be able to get the moon from the sky for you."
"Pfft!" Richard snorted, a smile appearing on his lips. "Who needs this Moon? Just give me the money."
"Money?" Gerald asked in surprise. "How much do you need and for what?"
- Dad, just don't laugh...
Richard hesitated, like a girl on her wedding night. He simply couldn't imagine asking someone for such an exorbitant sum.
"I promise I'll try not to laugh," Gerald said.
"Okay, then I'll tell you," Richie said. "Dad, you see, I want to learn how to manage my money. I learned a lot from my economics tutor, and I want to put my knowledge to the test. First, I'm going to invest in the companies I think are the most promising."
"Oh, what a serious son I have!" Gerald said proudly. "Well, such matters aren't decided so easily. Let's sit down and discuss everything in more detail."
Richie nodded silently and followed his father. The man and the boy settled into comfortable armchairs near the fireplace. As if by magic, a cordless telephone receiver appeared in the Duke's hand. He called the servants and ordered tea.
A moment later, the table between father and son was filled with a pair of white porcelain teacups on saucers, a bowl of candy, waffles, and cookies, and a pot-bellied teapot, in case the gentlemen wanted more.
Gerald took a sip of aromatic tea, returned the cup to the saucer and said:
- Richie, what companies would you like to invest in?
"Dad, I've carefully studied the newspapers you subscribe to," the boy began cautiously. "And... there aren't any companies I'd like to invest in. Actually, I don't know the names of the companies yet; I need to consult with specialists. One thing I can say for sure: these are times when electronics is booming. Numerous companies are emerging that produce electronic equipment, chips, microcircuits, computers, phones, software, and so on. Their shares are steadily rising in value, and, according to my forecasts, the growth of these companies' securities will be the best.
- Let's say so. And you, Richie, want to get into investments?
- Yes, dad.
"By yourself?!" Gerald grinned slyly.
"No, of course not," Richard said wearily. He moistened his throat with tea and continued, "An eight-year-old boy can't trade on the stock exchange on his own. I'll need help: a broker, a financial consultant who can provide information on new companies, and a financial analyst who can forecast the prospects of investing."
"So, Richie, are you planning on investing long-term?" Gerald asked.
- Yes, Dad. Long-term investments, often venture capital.
Venture capital investments are the financing of new, growing or struggling enterprises and firms (start-ups), therefore they are associated with a high or relatively high degree of risk.
That is, from the point of view of the elder Rich, who follows a time-tested strategy of business related to real estate, his son's planned investment in risky securities, in the expectation of high returns, is a squandering of capital.
- In that case, I can...