America 1919

Venus Bank, Morgan's funds intend to withdraw from the European bond market, which requires a process over time.

Otherwise, withdrawing such a large sum of money would amount to dropping several nuclear bombs on the European financial market, and the whole process lasted for a full six months.

By the time it was 1925, the European bond war dominated by the three major families — Block, Morgan, and Rothschild — finally came to an end.

This battle allowed these three families to reap unimaginable profits.

When Walker arrived in Atlantic City, he almost booked an entire train, all filled with gifts for Donnie's three children.

No choice, Donnie lacks nothing!

"This time, there is no longer any opposition to me in the Astor Family!"

Seeing Donnie, Walker was so excited he couldn't sit down!

"In less than a year, a $50 million investment turned into $250 million. Donnie, do you know what the whole Astor Family is saying now?"

Walker shook Donnie's shoulders, saying.

"I don't know what the other Astor Family members are saying!" Donnie shrugged off Walker's hand, saying, "I just know that if you shake me again, I'll fall apart!"

Donnie could understand Walker's excitement; the investment this time resulted in enormous returns.

Walker, leveraging Donnie's channels, invested $50 million, now transforming into $250 million!

Meanwhile, Donnie's $200 million investment had turned into $1 billion!

This was $1 billion in 1925. To know, the assets of the Kuhn, Loeb & Co. consortium, one of the nine largest in the United States, were only around $2 billion.

However, Donnie was not the biggest beneficiary from the European bond market, not even comparable to the gains Morgan received, and being the main player in the European bond market, the Rothschild family reaped more than $1.5 billion!

Donnie did not feel envious of this because the $1 billion return had already satisfied him; after all, compared to the Morgan and Rothschild families, Donnie still has a considerable gap.

If it weren't for these two families bearing the pressure from various European countries upfront, Donnie wouldn't even have been able to participate in this affair.

"What plans do you have now?"

Walker asked Donnie.

This was now Walker's biggest concern; leaving the money in the bank would be the greatest desecration of it!

Donnie replied with a smile, "I have some plans now, but obviously different from your Astor Family's strategies!"

Walker probed, saying, "Actually, now no one in the Astor Family would have any objections to how I use this money!"

Donnie waved his hand, saying, "I actually think your Astor Family's previous strategy was correct, that is, buying land. This way, even if there is a talent gap later in your Astor Family, there is a guarantee!"

Walker was somewhat disappointed, being of the same age as Donnie, and as someone under thirty, he still had some of his own ideas.

Such as collaborating with Donnie to create a hotel brand and constructing the Block Building!

These were Walker's attempts.

Donnie also noticed Walker's ambition, thought for a moment, then said, "Regarding the use of your funds, I have three suggestions. Whether to adopt them is up to you!"

As the head of the Astor Family, and the husband of the Empire Granary Food president, Donnie could not issue orders to Walker, as this would only affect their relationship negatively and yield no benefits.

"Speak!" Walker said seriously. He understood Donnie's perspective, but Walker also realized one thing, everything successful since knowing Donnie had Donnie's support or guidance, so he trusted Donnie's advice greatly!

"First, the current U.S. stock market is very good; according to my analysis, this situation can be maintained for several more years, even reaching an incomprehensible peak in the future. So, you can allocate some funds to invest in the U.S. stock market. If you don't have any good choices, you can entrust this business to Venus Bank!"

In the latter half of the 20s, the best domestic investment in the United States was essentially the stock market. Although there might be some minor fluctuations in between, it doesn't affect the broader trend. The funds Walker invests here could triple or quadruple at the very least before the Great Depression hits!

Actually, Donnie was not only suggesting Walker do so; he also planned to invest some funds into the U.S. stock market.

"Second, our training of hotel staff and management personnel is almost complete. We can consider building new hotels nationwide. I previously looked at the hotel's cash balance, which was clearly insufficient, so if you have any ideas, we can invest an appropriate amount according to our share distribution!"

The 1920s are referred to as the Great Prosperity Era in American history, indicating abundant domestic capital at this time, naturally breeding people's hedonism, with luxury hotels starting to flourish during this period!

Although the 30s will see the Great Depression hit the U.S. somewhat affecting luxury hotel business, this period is also the best time for luxury hotel expansion.

If Donnie and Walker invest enough capital now, just the cash on the hotel's books in four or five years will be enough for them to acquire more luxury hotels within the United States during this period. With financial support from Donnie and Walker, surpassed those few years, no luxury hotel brand in the United States would be able to compete with them!

"Third, it is your Astor Family's tradition, buying more land, but currently, Manhattan's land prices have reached an unacceptable level, so I think the Astor Family should look to other cities, like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago!"

Walker's grandfather's biggest regret before dying was not buying all of the Upper Manhattan; this regret is destined to be unfulfilled by the Astor Family descendants.

But Donnie believes Walker could shift focus from New York to other cities.

"Why not Florida?" Walker asked, a bit curious that he didn't hear Florida cities mentioned by Donnie.

Donnie waved his hand and said, "Currently, Florida's real estate industry is a huge battlefield; in the past six months, Florida's land prices have increased by one-third on average, with Miami's golden sections doubling. Entering Miami's real estate market now means high investment and low return; it's not a good time!"

Walker listened to Donnie's words and fell into silence.

"Alright, I understand!" In the end, Walker accepted Donnie's suggestions!