Art Cashin, the long-standing director of floor operations at the New York Stock Exchange, became a beloved figure not just for his professional acumen, but for the personal touch he brought to the often impersonal world of finance. His annual New Year’s poem served as a reflective vessel, capturing the essence of the year’s events while weaving in personal touches and humor. Following his passing in early December 2024, his sons Arthur and Peter took it upon themselves to pay tribute to their father through an homage that mirrored his poetic legacy. Their tribute highlights not only the events of 2024 but also a poignant connection to their father’s spirit.
The year 2024 was marked by tumultuous events that shook the very foundations of Wall Street. In their homage, Arthur and Peter Cashin poignantly noted how the absence of their father’s voice echoed through the financial district. With Wall Street’s usual bravado dampened, the siblings penned, “No more annual poems without Arthur here?” This sentiment encapsulates a broader anxiety felt by many as they navigate an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape. The calamity of global events, such as the persistent wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the ongoing political upheaval, paints a picture of a world fraught with uncertainty.
The brothers also touched on the domestic shifts in the U.S., where political tides turned and former President Trump became President again, now referred to as 47. The juxtaposition of the bullish stock market with the continual change in political leadership highlights the dichotomy present in today’s financial world. The Cashins elegantly reflected on this complexity, recognizing that the landscape of finance is often influenced by factors beyond mere market analysis—factors that intertwine history, politics, and personal narratives.
Amidst the turbulence of 2024, the loss of cultural icons reverberated through the collective consciousness. Cashin’s homage transitioned seamlessly from financial commentary to a eulogy of sorts, acknowledging the absence of great personalities—from Jim Simons in finance to the beloved voices in Hollywood like the late James Earl Jones. Each mention serves not only as a remembrance but also as a reminder of the inherent fragility of life and legacy. The artistic contributions of these figures enhance Cashin’s significance; he was part of a mosaic that included poets, scholars, and entertainers.
With each name dropped in the poem, the Cashin brothers evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding readers of the interconnectedness between various realms—entertainment, finance, and culture. Their poignant weaving of personal stories into the fabric of contemporary history underlines the broader narrative of loss that many can resonate with.
At its core, the Cashins’ homage also serves as a personal reflection on their relationship with their father. Describing him as “Historian, philanthropist, soul of the NYSE,” they deftly navigate the duality of Art Cashin’s public persona and his private life as a father. This intimate portrait underscores the complexities of being in the limelight while maintaining a close-knit family dynamic. Through their words, their father comes alive as not just a financial expert but as someone dedicated to his family, willing to engage in meaningful conversations about the matters that shaped their lives.
As the piece culminates in well-wishes for the new year, a profound sense of gratitude permeates the text. The Cashin brothers encourage us to cherish those we hold dear and remember those who have departed, tying into universal themes of love and legacy. The saying of “begorrah, menorah, Lanza and Kwanzaa” captures an inclusive spirit of celebration, reiterating the message that while we mourn our losses, we continue to embrace community—something their father epitomized.
Art Cashin’s legacy lives on beyond the transactions and trades at the New York Stock Exchange. His ability to connect people through words—be it through poetry or conversation—transformed him from just a stock trader into an emblem of contemporary finance imbued with humanity. As his sons lead the New Year’s traditions he established, it is clear that while the world may change, the essence of legacy remains, reminding us that it is not solely our achievements that define us, but the connections we foster and the memories we create. In their homage, the Cashin brothers invite us to reflect on our shared experiences of loss and celebration.