When Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of thanksgiving in 1863, I’m sure he had no idea that 155 years later we would still set aside the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day.

I think it’s great. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love being with friends and family. I love eating. I love watching football.

I’m definitely not a fan of shopping on Black Friday or even Thanksgiving Day now in some stores. I am a fan of online shopping. I can take advantage of bargains online from the comfort of my own home while enjoying more food and football. (Retail is about to be transformed yet again, which I discuss in the brand new issue Early Stage Investing issue.)

I’m also a fan of the stock market’s typical rally at the end of the year. Stocks have been unusually volatile the last couple of months, but that has generated some great buying opportunities.

I say that with confidence because of the economy, the market, and the transformative trends that can make us wealth. With that in mind, here are five things I’m thankful for now… and for what they mean for the future:

1. The Last Decade: The S&P 500 is up 200% from Thanksgiving Day 2008. What an opportunity to enjoy and profit from one of the great bull markets in history.

2. The Next Decade: That 200% return over the last 10 years is impressive, but the next decade will provide opportunities to make a lot more money in next-generation trends. The complete transformation of the $7 trillion auto industry to electric and self-driving cars. The next generation of mobile technology, the bedrock our future will rest on. Breakthroughs in the health care industry. The global legalization of marijuana. And many more.

3. Low Unemployment Rate: The key to any good economy is a solid labor market. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, the lowest in over a decade. I am thankful that such a large number of Americans are working.

4. Strong Global Economy: Contrary to what the mainstream media may tell you, the global economy remains strong. The world’s biggest economy – the United States – grew 3.5% last quarter. China, the second-largest, grew 6.5%.

5. Oil Prices: Oil has fallen from over $75 a barrel in early October to under $55 today. Lower oil prices may not be good for energy stocks, which have had a tough year, but they help most other companies lower costs. Winter heating bills could also be lower, adding a few more bucks to spend to the wallets of Americans.

Most Importantly…

I am thankful for you and all of my readers and subscribers. You are the reason we work hard.

I walked away from my stock broker job because I wanted to help people make money, not my firm. I wanted the freedom to uncover emerging trends and the next great companies leading the way. Companies that can make you rich.

That is my life’s work, and we couldn’t be living in a better time to make it happen. I am grateful for the opportunity to help you and work with you.

My entire team and I thank you. We wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!