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Good day valued readers,

We hope this week's carefully curated selection of news finds you well. In this edition, we cover the latest developments across investing, finance, crypto, AI, and other topics to help you stay informed.

As always, our goal is to provide you with a professional, unbiased roundup of noteworthy news to augment your understanding of what's happening in the world. We take pride in hand-selecting articles from trustworthy sources across a diverse range of industries.

Please enjoy this week's newsletter. We're grateful for the opportunity to share these insights with you and look forward to continuing to be a valuable resource.

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Investing and Finance

In the world of finance, BlackRock has achieved a milestone, with assets reaching a record $10.6 trillion as revenue and profits rise. The housing market continues to be a topic of discussion, with some experts cautioning about buying at market peaks, while others note that some home sellers are cutting prices. The rise of the American side hustle has caught economists' attention, highlighting the increasing ease of making money in one's spare time.

China's economy is showing signs of slowing, growing at a rate lower than forecast and impacting China-focused ETFs and stocks. Apple's stock has hit a record high, driven by analyst optimism surrounding the company's AI potential. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell remains cautious about declaring victory over inflation, suggesting that interest rates may remain elevated for longer. In the investment world, cyclical stocks are demonstrating superior returns, while AI stocks, though promising in the long term, may currently be overvalued according to some experts.

Uber is increasing transparency by showing average wait times and prices in many cities, a move that could impact user experience and company performance. The stock market rally may have a positive effect on public pensions, potentially reducing shortfalls this year. In the tech sector, data center and software spending is surging as companies invest heavily in AI, while GitLab's stock jumped on reports of a possible sale.

Gold prices have hit record highs, prompting investors to watch key price levels closely. Despite concerns, some experts argue that there's no need for investors to panic over government debt, providing a balanced perspective on economic health.

1. BlackRock Assets Reach Record $10.6T as Revenue, Profits Rise - Read more

2. Buying a House at the Top of the Market - Read more

3. ‘It’s easier than ever to make money in your spare time,’ economists say: Inside the rise of the American side hustle - Read more

4. China’s Economy Grows Slower Than Forecast - Read more

5. Apple Stock Hits Record High as Analysts Hike Price Targets on AI Optimism - Read more

6. Fed Chair Jerome Powell Isn't Ready to Claim Victory Over Inflation Yet - Read more

7. China's Growth Slowdown Hits China-Focused ETFs and Stocks - Read more

8. Don’t Take the Last Dollar - Read more

9. The superior returns of cyclical stocks - Read more

10. Uber To Show Average Wait Times, Prices in Many Cities - Read more

11. Charles Schwab Stock Sinks as CEO Says Bank Will Get 'Smaller' - Read more

12. IMF Forecasts Slower US Growth, Higher-for-Longer Global Interest Rates - Read more

13. Here's Why Some Home Sellers Are Cutting Prices - Read more

14. Rallying Stock Market May Help Public Pensions Reduce Shortfall This Year, Study Finds - Read more

15. Buying the dip on a cheap stock? Don’t do it ‘just because the price has gone down,’ says investing chief - Read more

16. AI stocks look promising long-term, but may be overvalued now, investing experts say - Read more

17. Watch These Important Gold Price Levels As Metal Hits Record High - Read more

18. Data Center, Software Spending Jumps as Companies Invest in AI - Read more

19. GitLab Stock Jumps on Reports of Possible Sale - Read more

20. There is no need for investors to panic over government debt - Read more

Crypto News

The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with significant developments, as JD Vance, potentially Trump's VP pick, becomes the first Bitcoin holder on a Presidential ticket, marking a milestone for crypto representation in mainstream politics. The SEC has reportedly given the green light for Ethereum ETFs to start trading next Tuesday, a move that could dramatically increase accessibility to Ethereum investments. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has expressed strong belief in Bitcoin's role in investment portfolios, further legitimizing the cryptocurrency in traditional finance circles.

However, security concerns persist as North Korean hackers reportedly infiltrate crypto companies through job postings, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in the industry. On a positive note, Kraken has received Bitcoin from the Mt. Gox Trustee, with payouts anticipated in the coming weeks, potentially bringing closure to a long-standing issue in the crypto community. Self-custody solutions are becoming more user-friendly, with Bitkey now supported by Cash App, Coinbase, and MoonPay, making it easier for average users to securely manage their Bitcoin.

The cryptocurrency exchange FTX has agreed to a substantial $12.7 billion settlement with the CFTC over its collapse, marking a significant legal development in the crypto space. Despite these advancements, Bitcoin mining profits have hit record lows, presenting challenges for miners in the current market. In the realm of altcoins, Valour has launched the first ETP for Near Protocol's native token, expanding investment options in the crypto market. As Ethereum ETF approval seems imminent, most applicants have submitted their final forms, and Ethereum staking is nearing an all-time high, driven by potential ETF approval and rising rewards.

In Germany, a Bitcoin sale netted an "unprecedented" €2.6 billion, according to the Dresden prosecutor, demonstrating the significant value held in seized cryptocurrencies. The Telegram-linked TON blockchain is set to introduce a Bitcoin bridge, potentially increasing Bitcoin's utility and reach. However, the industry continues to face security challenges, as evidenced by the Fractal ID data breach affecting Gnosis Pay and other crypto projects.

1. Trump’s VP pick JD Vance is first Bitcoin holder on a Presidential ticket - Read more

2. SEC Tells ETH ETF Issuers Fund Can Start Trading Next Tuesday: Sources - Read more

3. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink: ‘I Am a Major Believer That There Is a Role for Bitcoin in Portfolios’ - Read more

4. North Korean hackers penetrate crypto companies via job postings: report - Read more

5. Kraken receives bitcoin from Mt. Gox Trustee, payouts anticipated in 7-14 days - Read more

6. Cash App, Coinbase, and now MoonPay: Bitkey makes bitcoin self-custody easy to use - Read more

7. Kraken: Mt. Gox Bitcoin Repayments Will Arrive Before August - Read more

8. FTX Agrees to $12.7 Billion Settlement With CFTC Over Collapse - Read more

9. Bitcoin Mining Profits Hit Record Lows - Read more

10. Valour launches first ETP for Near Protocol’s native token - Read more

11. In Likely Precursor to Ether ETF Approval, Most Applicants Have Submitted Their Final Forms - Read more

12. German Bitcoin Sale Netted 'Unprecedented' €2.6 Billion: Dresden Prosecutor - Read more

13. Bitcoin Bridge Coming to Telegram-Linked TON Blockchain - Read more

14. Gnosis Pay and other crypto projects impacted in Fractal ID data breach - Read more

15. Ethereum Staking Near All-Time High as ETFs Loom and Rewards Rise - Read more

Artificial Intelligence

One year after the actors' strike, AI remains a persistent threat in the entertainment industry, highlighting ongoing concerns about its impact on creative professions. Amazon is calling for global alignment on responsible AI policies to secure US economic prosperity and security, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in AI governance. An unearthed 1980s interview with Bill Gates reveals early thoughts on AI, providing historical context to current developments.

AI's influence on pop culture continues to grow, reshaping how we create and consume media. In a surprising development, researchers have found that AI can identify a child's sex based on their brain activity, raising both scientific interest and ethical questions. OpenAI is reportedly working on new reasoning technology under the code name 'Strawberry,' potentially signaling a leap forward in AI capabilities. Young workers with the right skills are finding ways to thrive alongside AI, adapting to the changing job market.

While AI tools like ChatGPT show promise in various applications, attempts to use them for budgeting reveal current limitations. Interestingly, a survey finds that most users believe ChatGPT is conscious, indicating a potential misunderstanding of AI's nature. In the business world, Fujitsu and Cohere have launched a strategic partnership to provide generative AI for enterprises, aiming to revolutionize corporate operations. Microsoft Excel users can look forward to enhanced AI capabilities in their spreadsheets, potentially transforming data analysis.

AI is finding unexpected applications in space exploration, with drone racing helping to train AI for autonomous spacecraft driving. As AI's influence grows in government and politics, some are turning to AI itself for insights into these changes. Hong Kong is developing its own ChatGPT-style tool as OpenAI implements extra steps to block access, highlighting the global race for AI dominance. Lastly, a controversy has emerged as it's revealed that major tech companies, including Apple, Nvidia, and Anthropic, used thousands of YouTube videos without permission to train their AI models, raising questions about data ethics and copyright in AI development.

1. One Year After the Actors’ Strike, AI Remains a Persistent Threat - Read more

2. Amazon says it’s time to align on global responsible AI policies to secure US economic prosperity and security - Read more

3. Unearthed 1980s Bill Gates interview features the Microsoft founder talking about the earliest iterations of AI - Read more

4. Pop Culture AI - Read more

5. AI can identify a child's sex based on their brain activity - Read more

6. Exclusive: OpenAI working on new reasoning technology under code name ‘Strawberry’ - Read more

7. How young workers can thrive with AI when they have the right skills - Read more

8. I Tried ChatGPT as a Budgeting Tool. It's Not There Yet - Read more

9. Most Users Think ChatGPT Is Conscious, Survey Finds - Read more

10. Fujitsu and Cohere launch strategic partnership and joint development to provide generative AI for enterprises - Read more

11. Your Microsoft Excel spreadsheets could soon have a lot more AI power - Read more

12. Drone racing is helping train AI to autonomously drive spacecraft - Read more

13. Want to know how AI will affect government and politics? The bots have the answers - Read more

14. Hong Kong is testing out its own ChatGPT-style tool as OpenAI planned extra steps to block access - Read more

15. 10 profound answers about the math behind AI - Read more

16. Here’s How AI Is Changing NASA’s Mars Rover Science - Read more

17. Apple, Nvidia, Anthropic Used Thousands of Swiped YouTube Videos to Train AI - Read more

Top Article Picks this week

Recent discussions in therapy circles have sparked debate about the potential benefits and drawbacks of cutting off family ties, challenging traditional notions of familial relationships. A fascinating exploration of the ancient Olympic Games reveals nine little-known facts, offering a glimpse into the historical roots of modern sports. For those pondering life's big questions, an article delves into how we can understand the universe while being a part of it, encouraging a broader perspective on our existence.

Health enthusiasts might be intrigued by the concept of "exercise snacking," which reportedly could extend life by two years, promoting the idea that small bursts of activity throughout the day can have significant benefits. Career-focused individuals are advised that four specific habits may be more powerful than talent when seeking a promotion, emphasizing the importance of soft skills in professional growth. For those dealing with constantly complaining friends, expert advice is offered on maintaining relationships while setting healthy boundaries.

Home decor enthusiasts will appreciate tips on how to dramatically improve their living spaces in just 10 minutes, proving that small changes can have a big impact. Book lovers might enjoy learning about 10 famous book hoarders, offering a peek into the libraries of notable figures. The concept of the "U-bend of life" is explored, shedding light on how happiness and life satisfaction evolve as we age. A recent study suggests that night owls may have superior cognitive function compared to early risers, challenging common perceptions about productivity and sleep patterns.

In the digital age, proper archiving of digital files is becoming increasingly important, with guidance provided on best practices. Health awareness is addressed with a discussion on understanding normal blood pressure, as many Americans may be misinformed about their cardiovascular health. Parents receive advice on handling anxious children, offering strategies to support young ones dealing with stress and worry. A thought-provoking experiment where someone changed their race on a dating app raises questions about algorithmic bias and racial preferences in online dating.

Lastly, for those considering retirement abroad, six countries with incentives for retirees are highlighted, offering potential options for a new chapter in life.

1. Is Cutting Off Your Family Good Therapy? (Reading time: 16 min) - Read here

2. Nine Things You Didn’t Know About the Ancient Olympic Games (Reading time: 10 min) - Read here

3. How to Understand the Universe When You’re Stuck Inside of It (Reading time: 10 min) - Read here

4. Why ‘Exercise Snacking’ Could Extend Your Life by Two Years (Reading time: 7 min) - Read here

5. Want a Promotion? These 4 Habits Are More Powerful Than Talent (Reading time: 3 min) - Read here

6. How to Deal With a Friend Who Complains Constantly (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

7. How To Make Your Home Look 10 Times Better in 10 Minutes Or Less (Reading time: 3 min) - Read here

8. 10 Famous Book Hoarders (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

9. The U-bend of life (Reading time: 12 min) - Read here

10. Night Owls’ Cognitive Function ‘Superior’ to Early Risers, Study Suggests (Reading time: 3 min) - Read here

11. How to Properly Archive Your Digital Files (Reading time: 4 min) - Read here

12. Do You Understand What Normal Blood Pressure Is? Many Americans Wrongly Assume They Do (Reading time: 6 min) - Read here

13. How to Handle an Anxious Kid (Reading time: 12 min) - Read here

14. I Changed My Race to White on Hinge And got better matches. Is the algorithm the problem, or the men? (Reading time: 8 min) - Read here

15. Energy drinks are everywhere. How dangerous are they? (Reading time: 10 min) - Read here

16. I Gave Myself a Month to Make One New Friend. How Hard Could That Be? (Reading time: 20 min) - Read here

17. These are America’s best states for quality of life in 2024 (Reading time: 8 min) - Read here

18. Walking Correctly Takes Work—Here’s How to Improve Every Step (Reading time: 8 min) - Read here

19. How to Disagree with Someone More Powerful than You (Reading time: 8 min) - Read here

20. 6 Countries with Incentives to Retire There (Reading time: 8 min) - Read here

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Book of the week

"How to Fly a Horse" by Kevin Ashton is a captivating exploration of the creative process, debunking myths about genius and inspiration. Ashton argues that creation is a fundamental human trait, accessible to all rather than the domain of a gifted few. The book takes readers on a journey through history's greatest inventions and discoveries, revealing the often overlooked individuals and incremental steps behind them.

Ashton's narrative spans from the discovery of DNA's structure to the Wright brothers' first flight, showcasing how seemingly ordinary people achieved extraordinary feats. He emphasizes that creativity is not about sudden breakthroughs but rather a series of small, persistent efforts and failures. The author draws from a diverse range of examples, including Mozart, the Muppets, and Apple, to illustrate his points.

Ashton's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex concepts easy to understand for a general audience. He challenges the notion of the lone genius, highlighting the collaborative nature of many innovations. The book offers valuable insights for aspiring creators and innovators, providing a realistic view of the creative process. Ashton's work is well-researched, blending historical accounts with contemporary examples.

He addresses the role of failure in creation, presenting it as a necessary and even beneficial part of the process. The author's background as a technology pioneer lends credibility to his observations about innovation. "How to Fly a Horse" is not just informative but also inspiring, encouraging readers to tap into their own creative potential. Ashton's central message is clear: creation is a skill that can be learned and improved with practice and persistence. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the nature of creativity and innovation in human endeavors.

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