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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

Welcome to this week’s financial and market insights newsletter, where we dive into the stories that are shaping the business landscape. We kick off with Bayer, which has faced a significant setback as its stock slumped following an outlook cut. On a brighter note, innovation is sparking fresh opportunities, with a new big idea gaining traction and more money market substitutes coming to light. Meanwhile, the resurgence of the “FOMO market” signals that investor sentiment is shifting as new trends emerge.

In the tech-driven retail world, Shopify continues to capture attention. The company’s upbeat holiday forecast, driven by its AI capabilities, has pushed its shares to nearly a three-year high, reflecting strong Q3 results. However, not all companies are riding the wave—Hertz reported a $1 billion impairment charge that has weighed on its financials. On the other hand, Nvidia remains a stock to watch, with analysts expressing bullish sentiments ahead of its upcoming earnings report.

Auto enthusiasts and investors alike are watching the Rivian-Volkswagen joint venture, set to revolutionize the EV market with a $5.8 billion deal and new cars anticipated by 2027. As the stock market braces for an unusual and rare historical move, financial preparedness becomes essential. For those facing personal finance dilemmas, we share guidance on how to politely say ‘no’ when family or friends ask for loans, a tip from a financial therapist.

In other corporate news, Klarna’s filing for a US IPO could reshape the buy-now-pay-later landscape, while SoundHound AI’s stock has faced challenges with shrinking margins. Not to be outdone, SpaceX’s rival, Rocket Lab, has seen its stock soar to new heights with a major 2025 launch planned. Lastly, Disney continues its positive streak, with a boost in streaming profit and growing revenue in its experience division. Let’s delve into these stories and what they mean for your investments and the market’s future.

1. Bayer Stock Slumps on Outlook Cut - Read more

2. A New Big Idea - Read more

3. More Money Market Substitutes Taking Shape - Read more

4. The FOMO market is back: Morning Brief - Read more

5. Shopify delivers upbeat holiday forecast as AI draws customers, shares surge - Read more

6. Shopify Stock Soars To Nearly Three-Year High on Strong Q3 Results - Read more

7. Hertz Results Hit by $1B Impairment Charge - Read more

8. Analysts Are Bullish on Nvidia Stock Ahead of Earnings Next Week - Read more

9. Rivian-Volkswagen joint venture up deal to $5.8 billion, VW cars expected as early as 2027 - Read more

10. The stock market is about to do something extremely rare in its history - Read more

11. How to say ‘no’ when family and friends ask to borrow money, from a financial therapist - Read more

12. Buy-Now-Pay-Later Firm Klarna Files for US IPO - Read more

13. SoundHound AI Stock Tumbles as Margins Drop - Read more

14. SpaceX Rival Rocket Lab's Stock Soars to All-Time High With Launch Planned for 2025 - Read more

15. Disney Stock Rises as Streaming Profit, Experiences Revenue Grow - Read more

Crypto News

Welcome to this week’s crypto and market insights newsletter, where we explore the headlines making waves in the digital finance world. Bitcoin is nearing a monumental milestone, closing in on $90,000 for the first time ever, while the broader crypto market cap has hit $3.1 trillion, potentially surpassing the GDP of France. Meanwhile, former Alameda Co-CEO Sam Trabucco has agreed to forfeit $70 million in assets, including a yacht and apartments, to FTX creditors in the fallout of the exchange's collapse.

Bitcoin has flipped silver once more, becoming the eighth largest asset by market cap. However, not all news is positive—a phishing scam involving a fake Zoom link has cost a major investor $6 million, underscoring the importance of digital security. On the Ethereum front, ETFs set a new record with $295 million in inflows, signaling growing institutional interest.

Geopolitically, Putin’s proposal for a BRICS digital asset platform aims to reshape investment across South Asia, Africa, and LATAM, while El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, takes a victory lap as the country's Bitcoin holdings hit $100 million in profit. The Coinbase CEO has described a potential Trump win as the 'dawn of a new crypto era,' highlighting the political implications for the industry.

In meme-coin news, Dogecoin has shifted from a joke to reality, gaining validation as Donald Trump references it by its full acronym, D.O.G.E. Stablecoins have also surged, with $5 billion added since the U.S. election as investors seek stability. Ethereum research continues to push boundaries with a Beam Chain plan that could overhaul the consensus layer by 2027.

Surprisingly, Dogecoin now has a larger market cap than major companies like Ford, Delta, and General Mills. However, the industry has not been without its darker moments—a missing crypto influencer, under investigation by Canadian regulators, was found dead in Montreal. Regulatory pressures remain high as the Polymarket CEO’s home was raided by the FBI.

On a brighter note, the SEC’s approval of Coincheck as the first Japanese crypto exchange on Nasdaq marks a significant step forward. Finally, BlackRock’s BUIDL is expanding into a multichain strategy, setting the stage for future growth. Let’s break down these stories and their implications for the crypto market and investors.

1. Bitcoin is closing in on $90,000 for the first time ever - Read more

2. Crypto market cap hits $3.1T high, may soon surpass France’s GDP - Read more

3. Former Alameda Co-CEO Sam Trabucco Agrees to Forfeit $70M, Yacht, Apartments to FTX Creditors - Read more

4. Bitcoin Flips Silver Again, Becomes Eighth Largest Asset By Market Cap - Read more

5. Phishing scam via fake Zoom link costs GIGA investor $6M - Read more

6. Ethereum ETFs Set New Record with $295M Inflows - Read more

7. Putin proposes BRICS digital asset platform to reshape investment in South Asia, Africa, and LATAM - Read more

8. I Told You So': Bukele Takes Victory Lap as El Salvador Bitcoin Stash Hits $100 Million Profit - Read more

9. Why Coinbase CEO Sees Trump’s Win As the ’Dawn of a New Crypto Era - Read more

10. Dogecoin Trade Goes From Meme to Reality as Donald Trump Confirms D.O.G.E - Read more

11. Stablecoin Supply Expands by $5B Since U.S. Election as Investors Pile Into Crypto - Read more

12. Ethereum researcher unveils Beam Chain plan to overhaul consensus layer by 2027 - Read more

13. Why Dogecoin Now Has a Larger Market Cap Than Ford, Delta, and General Mills - Read more

14. Missing Crypto Influencer, Under Investigation by Canadian Regulator, Found Dead in Montreal: Report - Read more

15. Polymarket CEO's Home Is Raided by FBI - Read more

16. SEC approves Coincheck as first Japanese crypto exchange on Nasdaq - Read more

17. BlackRock’s BUIDL goes multichain - Read more

Artificial Intelligence

Welcome to this week’s AI and technology newsletter, where we delve into the innovations and stories shaping the industry. A groundbreaking AI tool promises quick, no-contact blood pressure and diabetes screening, underscoring the potential of AI in healthcare. Ethical considerations come to the forefront with the question: Is “AI welfare” the next frontier in technology ethics?

In a blend of history and tech, the Vatican and Microsoft have created an AI-generated model of St. Peter’s Basilica, enabling virtual visits and enhanced preservation efforts. Meanwhile, AI research groups are moving swiftly to redesign model testing and set new benchmarks to keep pace with rapid developments. The market for AI-related art saw a milestone with an artwork of Alan Turing selling for $1 million.

Reflecting on foresight, Bill Gates’ prediction of AI’s lucrative potential from nearly a decade ago has been realized, as the industry is now worth billions. In medical advancements, a robot that trained on surgery videos is now capable of performing procedures with the skill of a human surgeon. Also notable is the return of OpenAI’s co-founder after a period of leave, signaling renewed focus on future initiatives.

AlphaFold3’s protein-prediction capabilities have been released as open source, promising advancements in scientific research. Amazon has thrown down the gauntlet to Nvidia by offering free computing power to AI researchers. A tech CEO highlighted that people often underestimate AI’s trajectory in the same way steel was underestimated in the 1800s.

Industry shifts include the formation of a new team led by ex-OpenAI CTO Murati, while Perplexity has started its experiment with advertising. Major players like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic are facing challenges in pushing the boundaries of advanced AI. OpenAI is also preparing to launch an AI agent tool aimed at automating tasks for users, alongside releasing a policy blueprint imagining AI’s role in governance.

Microsoft has introduced new, industry-adapted AI models, while Baidu is enhancing its offerings with improved text-to-image capabilities and a no-code app builder. Gemini Live AI may soon allow users to see and chat about their files, adding new dimensions to digital interaction. Lastly, Elon Musk’s xAI has secured approval for a 150MW power allocation, setting the stage for running all 100,000 GPUs concurrently at his data center.

1. AI-powered tool may offer quick, no-contact blood pressure and diabetes screening - Read more

2. Is “AI welfare” the new frontier in ethics? - Read more

3. Vatican, Microsoft create AI-generated St. Peter’s Basilica to allow virtual visits, log damage - Read more

4. AI groups rush to redesign model testing and create new benchmarks - Read more

5. AI artwork of Alan Turing sells for $1m - Read more

6. Bill Gates predicted AI’s lucrative potential nearly a decade ago—now it’s worth billions: Here’s what he saw - Read more

7. Robot that watched surgery videos performs with skill of human doctor - Read more

8. OpenAI Co-Founder Returns to Startup After Monthslong Leave - Read more

9. AI protein-prediction tool AlphaFold3 is now open source - Read more

10. Amazon offers free computing power to AI researchers, aiming to challenge Nvidia - Read more

11. People underestimate AI the same way everyone underestimated steel in the 1800s, tech CEO says - Read more

12. Ex-OpenAI CTO Murati’s New Team Takes Shape - Read more

13. Perplexity is starting its ads experiment this week. - Read more

14. OpenAI, Google and Anthropic Are Struggling to Build More Advanced AI - Read more

15. OpenAI Nears Launch of AI Agent Tool to Automate Tasks for Users - Read more

16. OpenAI’s new policy blueprint for AI imagines a role for government - Read more

17. Microsoft introduces new adapted AI models for industry - Read more

18. Baidu bolsters AI lineup with enhanced text-to-image tech, no-code app builder - Read more

19. Gemini Live AI may soon be able to see and chat about your files - Read more

20. Elon Musk's massive AI data center gets unlocked — xAI gets approved for 150MW of power, enabling all 100,000 GPUs to run concurrently - Read more

Top Article Picks this week

Welcome to this week’s newsletter, where we explore insights into psychology, society, and personal growth. Ever wondered why humans started kissing? This week, we uncover the historical and psychological reasons behind this universal act. We also highlight six psychological tricks scammers use to deceive people and how to guard against them.

Finding fulfillment doesn’t have to be complicated; the secret to a meaningful life may be simpler than you think. For those navigating professional spaces, we share four ways to build influence at work, no matter your job title. Relationships also take center stage as we examine how understanding the five “love languages” can improve your personal connections.

On a broader societal note, we discuss what America’s recent voting decisions signify and what these choices say about current national priorities. In technology history, learn how a determined computer scientist accidentally triggered the deep learning boom, reshaping modern AI.

Curious about the next generation? We provide an overview of Generation Alpha and what sets them apart. In response to increasing road rage incidents, particularly in Texas, we explore how aggressive drivers are trying to manage their anger and find solutions.

For literary enthusiasts, our feature on the 100 must-read books of 2024 offers plenty of inspiration. And finally, we share essential health tips: orthopedic doctors recommend eight daily habits to maintain strong bones and support overall wellness.

1. The Reasons Humans Started Kissing (Reading time: 2 min) - Read here

2. Six Psychological Tricks Scammers Use Against You (Reading time: 6 min) - Read here

3. The Secret to a Meaningful Life is Simpler Than You Think (Reading time: 7 min) - Read here

4. Four Ways to Build Influence at Work, No Matter Your Job Title (Reading time: 4 min) - Read here

5. How the Five “Love Languages” Can Help You Win at Relationships (Reading time: 7 min) - Read here

6. What America Just Voted Against (Reading time: 2 min) - Read here

7. How a stubborn computer scientist accidentally launched the deep learning boom (Reading time: 16 min) - Read here

8. What Is Generation Alpha? (Reading time: 3 min) - Read here

9. As road rage rises, aggressive drivers in Texas try to understand their anger (Reading time: 18 min) - Read here

10. Adrift in the South (Reading time: 40 min) - Read here

11. The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024 (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

12. 8 Things You Should Do for Your Bones Every Day, According to Orthopedic Doctors (Reading time: 8 min) - Read here

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Book of the week

In "Think Again," Adam Grant presents a compelling case for the importance of cognitive flexibility and the willingness to question our own deeply-held beliefs. Through a masterful blend of scientific research, engaging anecdotes, and practical insights, Grant demonstrates how our tendency to cling to our convictions can blind us to new possibilities and stifle personal growth. The book's central premise challenges the traditional view that intelligence is primarily about acquiring knowledge, arguing instead that the ability to unlearn and rethink may be even more crucial in our rapidly evolving world.

Grant introduces the concept of "confident humility," encouraging readers to maintain conviction in their ability while remaining humble about their knowledge gaps. The author skillfully illustrates how even experts can fall prey to the curse of knowledge, where their expertise paradoxically makes them less likely to question their assumptions and adapt to new information. Through fascinating examples, including stories of a Black musician converting white supremacists and a vaccine advocate persuading hesitant parents, Grant shows how genuine curiosity and openness to dialogue can bridge seemingly insurmountable divides.

The book's structure cleverly mirrors its message by challenging readers to rethink their approaches to argument, identity, and learning itself. Grant's writing style strikes an excellent balance between academic rigor and accessibility, making complex psychological concepts digestible for a general audience. He presents three distinct modes of thinking that people often fall into - preacher, prosecutor, and politician - and advocates for adopting a scientist's mindset instead. The book is particularly timely in our era of political polarization and information bubbles, offering practical strategies for more productive disagreements and meaningful dialogue.

Throughout the narrative, Grant practices what he preaches by acknowledging his own moments of rethinking and sharing personal stories of changing his mind. The author's experience as Wharton's top-rated professor shines through in his ability to convey complex ideas with clarity and impact. By the book's end, readers are left with both the motivation and the tools to embrace the discomfort of doubt and the joy of discovery. The work stands as a powerful reminder that in an increasingly complex world, our ability to rethink and remain mentally flexible may be our most valuable asset.

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