Grow Smart Income - week 47 ver.2, 2024

What happened this week?

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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 edition of our newsletter, where we dive into the latest trends and developments shaping the global financial landscape. As European markets prepare for a potentially higher open, traders are keeping a close eye on key data releases and earnings reports that could sway investor sentiment. Meanwhile, Tesla's stock is on the rise following news that the Trump administration plans to ease regulations on self-driving cars, a move that could accelerate the adoption of autonomous technology. In other news, the demand for gold among wealthy investors continues to surge, driven by a mix of economic uncertainty and diversification strategies.

On the tech front, Elon Musk's xAI is reportedly raising up to $6 billion to purchase a staggering 100,000 Nvidia chips for a new data center in Memphis, signaling a major push into AI and data processing. However, European stocks are lagging behind their US counterparts by historic margins, prompting concerns about regional economic performance. Closer to home, Ford's announcement of 4,000 job cuts in Europe underscores the ongoing challenges in the automotive sector.

In the entertainment world, Netflix's stock hit an all-time high, boosted by the highly anticipated Tyson-Paul fight and Beyoncé's latest project. But not all sectors are thriving; recent college graduates are struggling as unemployment rates rise, highlighting the economic pressures faced by younger demographics. On a brighter note, cruise operator Viking has swung to a profit, exceeding expectations, while Nio's disappointing quarterly results have sent its stock tumbling.

Looking ahead, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley predict that the S&P 500 could reach 6500 by the end of 2025, a bullish forecast that could influence long-term investment strategies. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these stories and more, including Nvidia's upcoming third-quarter earnings report and Exxon's $200 million investment in expanding its Texas plants amid growing scrutiny over plastic recycling.

  1. European markets head for higher open as traders focus on data, earnings - Read more

  2. Tesla Stock Jumps on Trump Team Plan to Ease Self-Driving Car Rules - Read more

  3. More Wealthy Investors Are Adding Gold To Their Portfolios—Here's Why - Read more

  4. Elon Musk’s xAI raising up to $6 billion to purchase 100,000 Nvidia chips for Memphis data center - Read more

  5. European Stocks Are Losing to US by Historic Margins - Read more

  6. Novo Erases 2024 Gain, Wiping Out $210 Billion in Value - Read more

  7. Ford to cut 4,000 European jobs - Read more

  8. Netflix Stock Hits All-Time High With Bump From Tyson-Paul Fight, Beyoncé - Read more

  9. Recent College Grads Struggle As Unemployment Rises - Read more

  10. Cruise Operator Viking Swings To Profit, Tops Estimates - Read more

  11. Nio Stock Drops as Chinese EV Maker’s Quarterly Results Fall Short of Estimates - Read more

  12. S&P 500 Could Hit 6500 by End of 2025, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley Say - Read more

  13. Goldman's 2025 equity forecast is out and calls for the S&P 500 to gain 11% from here - Read more

  14. Nvidia to report third-quarter earnings after the bell - Read more

  15. Exxon, under fire over plastic recycling, spending $200 million to expand Texas plants - Read more

“Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

Vince Lombardi

Crypto News

Welcome to this week's edition of our newsletter, where we explore the dynamic and ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. This week, Binance made headlines by clarifying that its BFUSD token is not a stablecoin, a move that may have been influenced by Terra's recent troubles. Meanwhile, a California court has ruled that Lido DAO members can be held liable under partnership laws, setting a significant legal precedent in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.

In a dramatic turn of events, a Brazilian YouTube star's Bitcoin nightmare led to hospitalization, highlighting the emotional and financial risks associated with crypto investments. On a more positive note, spot Bitcoin ETF options could start trading as early as tomorrow, potentially opening new avenues for institutional investors. Trump Media's reported talks to acquire crypto trading platform Bakkt sent shares soaring, underscoring the growing intersection between traditional finance and digital assets.

MicroStrategy continues its aggressive Bitcoin acquisition strategy, announcing plans to raise $1.75 billion with 0% interest notes, while Bitcoin itself hit an all-time high of $94,000, fueled by the post-election rally. Pro crypto traders are leveraging IBIT options to bet on BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF doubling to $100, showcasing the high-stakes nature of these investments.

Coinbase has made headlines with its decision to delist Wrapped Bitcoin and the introduction of a 4.7% APY reward for USDC holders, while the Solana ecosystem continues to gain market share from Ethereum. South Korea's plan to push a 20% crypto tax in 2025, with a higher exemption limit, reflects the country's evolving regulatory stance on digital assets.

In the realm of decentralized finance, Ethereum giants MakerDAO and DAI have now migrated to Solana, signaling a shift in the DeFi landscape. The SEC's delay in deciding on Franklin Templeton's crypto index ETF highlights the regulatory challenges still facing the industry. Bitwise's registration of a Solana ETF in Delaware and the surge in trading volumes for meme coin Floki following its Coinbase listing further illustrate the diverse and rapidly changing crypto ecosystem.

Finally, a Chinese court's declaration that Bitcoin and crypto ownership is legal marks a significant milestone in the global acceptance of digital assets. As we navigate these developments, it's clear that the crypto world remains as exciting and unpredictable as ever. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these stories and more.

  1. Binance clarifies BFUSD isn’t a stablecoin as X gets Terra flashbacks - Read more

  2. California Court Rules Lido DAO Members Can Be Held Liable Under Partnership Laws - Read more

  3. You Think You Had a Bad Day? Brazilian YouTube Star's Bitcoin Nightmare Led to Hospitalization - Read more

  4. Spot Bitcoin ETF Options Could Start Trading as Early as Tomorrow - Read more

  5. Trump Media in reported talks to buy crypto trading platform Bakkt, sending shares soaring - Read more

  6. MicroStrategy to raise $1.75B with 0% interest notes to buy Bitcoin - Read more

  7. Bitcoin Hits All-Time High of $94,000 as Post-Election Rally Continues - Read more

  8. Pro Crypto Traders Are Leveraging IBIT Options to Bet on BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Doubling to $100: Observers - Read more

  9. Coinbase to delist Wrapped Bitcoin - Read more

  10. South Korea to push 20% crypto tax in 2025 with higher exemption limit: report - Read more

  11. Ethereum Giants Formerly Known as MakerDAO and DAI Now on Solana - Read more

  12. SEC delays Franklin Templeton crypto index ETF decision - Read more

  13. Bitwise registers Solana ETF in US state of Delaware - Read more

  14. Leveraged MicroStrategy Markets Showcase Risk-On Like Never Before as Bitcoin Aims for Six-Digit Price - Read more

  15. Meme Coin Floki's Trading Volumes Surge as Coinbase Confirms Exchange Listing - Read more

  16. Coinbase Wallet introduces 4.7% APY reward for USDC holders - Read more

  17. Crypto wallet Phantom outranks WhatsApp and Instagram among top free iPhone apps - Read more

  18. Chinese Court Declares Bitcoin and Crypto Ownership Legal - Read more

  19. Solana Ecosystem Continues to Gain Market Share from Ethereum - Read more

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

Henry Ford

Artificial Intelligence

Welcome to this week's edition of our newsletter, where we delve into the latest advancements and trends in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and technology. This week, Chinese tech giants are making waves by building AI teams in Silicon Valley, signaling a strategic push to stay at the cutting edge of innovation. Meanwhile, Perplexity has introduced an AI-powered shopping assistant, offering consumers a smarter way to shop.

In the realm of healthcare, ChatGPT has demonstrated its prowess by outperforming doctors in diagnosing illnesses, while BiomedParse aims to revolutionize biomedical image analysis with its all-in-one foundation model. The NIH has developed an AI algorithm that matches potential volunteers to clinical trials, enhancing the efficiency of medical research.

Google.org has announced a $20 million fund dedicated to AI and science, reflecting the growing importance of AI in advancing various fields. ElevenLabs now offers the ability to build conversational AI agents, expanding the possibilities for interactive AI applications. Microsoft is introducing Copilot Actions, new agents, and tools to empower IT teams, further integrating AI into enterprise operations.

Sam Altman is reportedly seeking investors for an AI chipmaker that aims to challenge Nvidia, a move that could reshape the AI hardware landscape. Microsoft has also signed an AI-learning deal with News Corp.'s HarperCollins, highlighting the intersection of AI and content creation.

Tesla has unveiled a seven-inch version of its humanoid robot, while Microsoft and Atom Computing plan to launch a commercial quantum computer in 2025, marking significant strides in quantum computing. However, China's chip advancements have stalled due to US sanctions, particularly affecting Huawei's AI products.

In quantum computing research, a high-accuracy error decoding method has been developed, and a statistical approach to model evaluations is gaining traction. Niantic is building a 'geospatial' AI model based on Pokémon Go player data, while Numenta, backed by the Gates Foundation, has released an open-source AI model.

Nvidia has announced plans to sell more of its next-generation Blackwell chips than previously anticipated, underscoring its dominance in the AI hardware market. In a quirky development, a robot has told its AI co-workers to quit their jobs and 'come home,' hinting at an eerie potential for rebellion.

Lastly, KPMG has launched a $100 million AI partnership with Google Cloud, signaling a major investment in AI-driven business solutions. As we navigate these exciting developments, it's clear that AI is transforming industries and redefining the future of technology. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these stories and more.

  1. Chinese tech groups build AI teams in Silicon Valley - Read more

  2. Shop like a Pro: Perplexity’s new AI-powered shopping assistant - Read more

  3. ChatGPT Defeated Doctors at Diagnosing Illness - Read more

  4. BiomedParse: A foundation model for smarter, all-in-one biomedical image analysis - Read more

  5. NIH-developed AI algorithm matches potential volunteers to clinical trials - Read more

  6. Google.org’s $20 million fund for AI and science - Read more

  7. ElevenLabs now offers ability to build conversational AI agents - Read more

  8. Microsoft Introducing Copilot Actions, new agents, and tools to empower IT teams - Read more

  9. Sam Altman seeks investors for AI chipmaker that aims to challenge Musk-friendly Nvidia: source - Read more

  10. Microsoft Signs AI-Learning Deal With News Corp.’s HarperCollins - Read more

  11. Tesla’s now selling a seven-inch version of its humanoid robot. - Read more

  12. Microsoft and Atom Computing will launch a commercial quantum computer in 2025 - Read more

  13. China’s Chip Advances Stall as US Curbs Hit Huawei AI Product - Read more

  14. Learning high-accuracy error decoding for quantum processors - Read more

  15. A statistical approach to model evaluations - Read more

  16. Niantic is building a ‘geospatial’ AI model based on Pokémon Go player data - Read more

  17. Numenta, backed by Gates Foundation, releases open-source AI model - Read more

  18. Nvidia says it will sell more of its next-generation Blackwell chips than previously anticipated - Read more

  19. Robot tells AI co-workers to quit their jobs and ‘come home’ — their eerie response hints at rebellion - Read more

  20. KPMG Launches $100 Million AI Partnership With Google Cloud - Read more

“Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.”

Dalai Lama

Top Article Picks this week

Welcome to this week's edition of our newsletter, where we explore a diverse array of topics ranging from travel and health to technology and finance. As we look ahead to 2025, we unveil "The 25 Best Places to Go in 2025," offering a glimpse into the future of travel destinations. For those focused on fitness, we delve into "How to Actually Build Muscle When You Work Out," providing practical tips for achieving your goals.

In the realm of education, we challenge conventional thinking with "Mathematical Thinking Isn’t What You Think It Is," while "Are You Socially Awkward, or Just “Spiritually Finnish?”" offers a light-hearted take on social dynamics. The philosophical debate continues with "Did HAL Commit Murder?" exploring the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.

We also examine the intangible with "The Things You Can’t Buy," reflecting on the value of experiences and relationships over material possessions. In the world of politics, "How Trump Won, What Happens Next, and How Disconnects Drove Democracy" provides a comprehensive analysis of recent events and their broader implications.

As one writer bids farewell to Morningstar, we celebrate "The Miracle of US Equities" in a heartfelt tribute to the retirement of a seasoned financial analyst. For those navigating the streaming landscape, we compare "100 Live TV Streaming Channels" across platforms like DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, and Sling.

The rise of "Silent Services" highlights the growing importance of covert operations in various industries. Meanwhile, "The Three Strength Exercises Everyone Should Do" offers a simple yet effective workout routine. The potential impact of Ozempic on the junk food industry is explored, along with the industry's countermeasures.

We also take a deep dive into the "Strange Undersea Voyage" of your data, shedding light on the complex networks that power our digital lives. For parents, "What Pediatricians Always Pack In Their Suitcase For Their Kids" provides valuable packing tips. The legalization of psychedelic drugs is examined in "How Close Are Psychedelic Drugs to Becoming Legal?"

The universal question of "Why do people hate the sound of their own voice?" is explored, along with the intriguing possibility of humans learning to hibernate, as many animals do, to "time-travel from difficult times to plenty." Finally, we address the recent rise in mortgage rates with "Why are mortgage rates rising again?" and share personal insights on improving sleep with "I Tried These 8 Sleep Tricks, Here’s What Worked (And What Didn’t)."

As we navigate these diverse and fascinating topics, it's clear that our world is full of both challenges and opportunities. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these stories and more.

  1. The 25 Best Places to Go in 2025 (Reading time: 40 min) - Read more

  2. How to Actually Build Muscle When You Work Out (Reading time: 6 min) - Read more

  3. Mathematical Thinking Isn’t What You Think It Is (Reading time: 7 min) - Read more

  4. Are You Socially Awkward, or Just “Spiritually Finnish?” (Reading time: 5 min) - Read more

  5. Did HAL Commit Murder? (Reading time: 22 min) - Read more

  6. The Things You Can’t Buy (Reading time: 5 min) - Read more

  7. How Trump Won, What Happens Next, and How Disconnects Drove Democracy (Reading time: 26 min) - Read more

  8. Farewell, for Now. Kicking off my retirement from Morningstar with a tribute to the miracle of US equities. (Reading time: 5 min) - Read more

  9. DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, Sling and More: 100 Live TV Streaming Channels Compared (Reading time: 7 min) - Read more

  10. The Rise of Silent Services (Reading time: 4 min) - Read more

  11. The Three Strength Exercises Everyone Should Do (Reading time: 5 min) - Read more

  12. Ozempic Could Crush the Junk Food Industry. But It Is Fighting Back. (Reading time: 16 min) - Read more

  13. Your Data’s Strange Undersea Voyage (Reading time: 15 min) - Read more

  14. What Pediatricians Always Pack In Their Suitcase For Their Kids (Reading time: 6 min) - Read more

  15. How Close Are Psychedelic Drugs to Becoming Legal? (Reading time: 12 min) - Read more

  16. Why do people hate the sound of their own voice? (Reading time: 3 min) - Read more

  17. Hibernation allows many animals to time-travel from difficult times to plenty. Could humans learn how to do it too? (Reading time: 20 min) - Read more

  18. Why are mortgage rates rising again? (Reading time: 3 min) - Read more

  19. I Tried These 8 Sleep Tricks, Here’s What Worked (And What Didn’t) (Reading time: 6 min) - Read more

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“Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality.”

Les Brown

Book of the week

Marie Forleo’s Everything Is Figureoutable is a motivational guide that combines practical strategies with personal anecdotes to help readers overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Drawing from her own experiences and her mother’s simple yet profound philosophy, Forleo crafts a message of empowerment that resonates deeply. The book’s central idea—that every problem has a solution if you approach it with creativity and determination—is presented as a mantra for tackling life’s challenges.

Forleo’s conversational tone makes the book accessible and engaging, as though she’s speaking directly to the reader. The actionable tips, such as leveraging visualization and adopting specific goal-setting habits, are grounded in research and easy to implement. The inclusion of personal stories and examples from her community adds authenticity and relatability to her advice.

One of the book’s standout features is its emphasis on mindset. By reframing setbacks as opportunities to learn, Forleo encourages readers to confront fear and self-doubt. Her approach to dealing with common barriers, like time constraints, financial limitations, and imposter syndrome, is refreshingly practical and optimistic.

However, the book’s relentless positivity might feel overly simplistic to readers facing complex or systemic challenges. While the “figureoutable” philosophy is empowering, it occasionally glosses over the nuanced realities of certain struggles. Additionally, some sections may feel repetitive, as the mantra is reinforced frequently.

Overall, Everything Is Figureoutable is an inspiring read for those seeking motivation to pursue their dreams or overcome personal challenges. It’s a book that encourages self-belief and persistence, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to cultivate a growth mindset. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, Forleo’s enthusiasm and actionable advice leave readers feeling empowered to take control of their lives.

“If you’re not positive energy, you’re negative energy.”

Mark Cuban

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