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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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Quote of the week

This tech company grew 32,481%...

No, it's not Nvidia... It's Mode Mobile, 2023’s fastest-growing software company according to Deloitte.

Just as Uber turned vehicles into income-generating assets, Mode is turning smartphones into an easy passive income source, already helping 45M+ users earn $325M+ through simple, everyday use.

They’ve just been granted their stock ticker by the Nasdaq, and you can still invest in their pre-IPO offering at just $0.26/share.

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*Mode Mobile recently received their ticker reservation with Nasdaq ($MODE), indicating an intent to IPO in the next 24 months. An intent to IPO is no guarantee that an actual IPO will occur.
*The Deloitte rankings are based on submitted applications and public company database research, with winners selected based on their fiscal-year revenue growth percentage over a three-year period.
*Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com.

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Investing and Finance

As we enter the new year, the financial and tech landscapes continue to shift at an unprecedented pace. Nvidia, TSMC, and other AI chip stocks are making headlines with surges fueled by Foxconn’s record revenue, but this optimism comes with a dose of caution as quantum stocks experience a dip following remarks from Nvidia's CEO. Meanwhile, Tesla’s reputation takes a hit as regulatory investigations and downgrades spark investor anxiety. For individuals, the question of financial preparedness remains critical—whether resetting your budget for 2025’s uncertainties or considering an unconventional retirement aboard a cruise ship.

Corporations are also responding to evolving market dynamics. McDonald’s is betting on its revamped McValue menu to reinvigorate both diners and shareholders, while Dell seeks to reclaim relevance with an Apple-inspired makeover for its PCs. On the global stage, Mexico’s record-breaking $8.5 billion bond offering highlights growing confidence in emerging markets, even as concerns over inflation and geopolitical risks loom.

Beyond money, the strain of economic pressures is seeping into personal relationships, a timely reminder of the broader social impact of financial stress. Investors are also asking, “Are we bullish enough?” as they weigh predictions for 2025’s opportunities and risks. A list of “12 Things That Probably Won’t Happen in 2025” adds a creative twist, encouraging readers to focus on what’s plausible versus improbable.

This week’s stories capture a blend of optimism and realism, offering insights into the year ahead. Whether it’s industry trends, global markets, or personal finance, understanding the interplay between these forces is key to navigating 2025.

1. Nvidia, TSMC, Other AI Chip Stocks Surge as Foxconn Posts Record Revenue - Read more

2. Yes, You Can Retire on a Cruise Ship. Here's What It Costs - Read more

3. 12 Things That Probably Won’t Happen in 2025 - Read more

4. It’s time to reset your finances for 2025’s knowns and unknowns - Read more

5. McDonald's to launch the McValue national menu as it looks for a boost from diners and investors - Read more

6. Dell Unveils Apple-Like Rebrand in Bid to Make PCs Cool Again - Read more

7. Mexico to Sell Record $8.5 Billion in Three-Part Bond Offering - Read more

8. Money Might Be Straining Your Friendships, Too - Read more

9. Are We Bullish Enough? (Redux) - Read more

10. 10 Predictions for 2025 - Read more

11. Tesla Slides as Regulators Investigate Crashes, Bank of America Downgrades Stock - Read more

12. Quantum Stocks Drop as Nvidia CEO Sees Use Years Away - Read more

Crypto News

The crypto market is surging with renewed energy as Bitcoin approaches the $100,000 milestone, attracting significant interest from institutional players like MicroStrategy and Metaplanet, who are ready to invest billions more. In 2024 alone, $19 trillion worth of transactions were settled on the Bitcoin network, showcasing its ever-expanding role in global finance. However, as Bitcoin mining hits new levels of difficulty 16 years after its inception, the race to secure profits is intensifying, prompting miners to stockpile coins.

Institutional interest in crypto is also reflected in the roaring comeback of Bitcoin ETFs, with over $900 million in inflows in just two days. Similarly, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs combined added a staggering $1.1 billion in a single day, further underlining the mainstream adoption of these digital assets. The rising adoption extends beyond the markets—merchant crypto payments have surged by 8%, fueled by Bitcoin's impressive bull run.

Beyond Bitcoin, other blockchains are also making waves. Solana’s decentralized exchange (DEX) volumes recently outpaced Ethereum and Base combined, marking its growing prominence in the DeFi ecosystem. Meanwhile, Canada’s political shift following Trudeau’s departure could pave the way for crypto-friendly policies, signaling potential growth in the Canadian crypto sector.

Interestingly, traditional investors are beginning to join the crypto conversation, with an old-school value investor now betting on Bitcoin—a sign of changing perspectives in legacy finance. These developments highlight a dynamic ecosystem where innovation, regulation, and market forces continue to shape the future of cryptocurrencies.

This week’s stories provide a glimpse into a pivotal moment for the crypto world, marked by growth, resilience, and unprecedented opportunities. As Bitcoin and its peers dominate the financial landscape, staying informed is more important than ever.

1. MicroStrategy, Metaplanet Want Billions More in Bitcoin as BTC Nears $100K - Read more

2. $19 trillion in transactions settled on the Bitcoin network in 2024 - Read more

3. Bitcoin Mining Is Now Harder Than Ever—16 Years After Satoshi Started It All - Read more

4. Why An Old-School Value Investor Is Betting On Bitcoin - Read more

5. Bitcoin ETFs roar back with second day of $900M+ inflows - Read more

6. Trudeau's Departure in Canada Opens Possibilities for Crypto - Read more

7. Bitcoin miners stockpile coins to ride out profit squeeze - Read more

8. Solana 24-hour DEX volume beats Ethereum, Base combined - Read more

9. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Add $1.1 Billion in a Day as Hot Streak Grows - Read more

10. Merchant Crypto Payments Spike 8% Following Bitcoin’s $100,000 Milestone: NOWPayments - Read more

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate headlines, with tech giants making bold moves to shape its future. Microsoft’s ambitious $80 billion investment in AI-enabled data centers by 2025 reflects the scale of this revolution, while an additional $3 billion planned for India emphasizes its global AI and cloud expansion strategy. Meanwhile, AWS is ramping up its own AI infrastructure with an $11 billion investment in Georgia, underscoring the competitive race among cloud providers.

The transformative potential of AI is becoming more tangible, with predictions of “virtual employees” joining the workforce as early as this year, according to OpenAI’s leadership. In parallel, AI's ability to replicate human personality traits with 85% accuracy in just two hours raises ethical and practical questions about the evolving relationship between humans and machines. On a broader scale, Anthropic’s near $60 billion valuation highlights the growing financial clout of AI startups.

Yet, this boom isn’t without its complications. Microsoft has paused construction on an OpenAI data center in Wisconsin, possibly signaling the challenges of scaling AI infrastructure. As Skanda Amarnath observes, the economic impact of the AI boom is starting to manifest, reshaping industries in ways that demand careful attention. Even the internet as we know it may be on the brink of transformation, with AI poised to disrupt traditional search paradigms.

AI’s progression isn’t limited to software; it’s gaining physical intelligence to better interact with the real world, bridging digital and tangible spaces. These developments collectively paint a picture of an industry that’s rapidly advancing, though not without hurdles. This week’s updates reflect a mix of ambition, innovation, and the inevitable growing pains of a technology destined to redefine our future.

1. Microsoft plans to invest $80 billion on AI-enabled data centers in fiscal 2025 - Read more

2. To Interact With the Real World, AI Will Gain Physical Intelligence - Read more

3. Microsoft Pauses Some Construction on OpenAI Wisconsin Data Center - Read more

4. Skanda Amarnath: The AI Boom’s Economic Impact Is Starting to Show Up - Read more

5. AI start-up Anthropic closes in on $60bn valuation - Read more

6. AI means the end of internet search as we’ve known it - Read more

7. AWS plans to invest at least $11 billion in Georgia to expand infrastructure to support AI and cloud technologies - Read more

8. ‘Virtual employees’ could join workforce as soon as this year, OpenAI boss says - Read more

9. Just 2 hours is all it takes for AI agents to replicate your personality with 85% accuracy - Read more

10. Microsoft to invest $3 billion in India, to expand AI and cloud capacity - Read more

Top Article Picks this week

This week’s stories delve into the subtle yet powerful forces shaping our personal and professional lives. From the language we use at work to the invisible habits that guide our days, understanding these dynamics can be the key to growth. A thought-provoking piece on six verbs that undermine authority reminds us of the importance of precision in communication, while the concept of a “beginner’s mindset” shows how humility and curiosity can unlock lifelong learning.

On the science front, intriguing discoveries shed light on the mysteries of our bodies and minds. A controversial study on fluoride and IQ has sparked debate, raising questions about long-held public health policies. In a more lighthearted vein, researchers have finally pinpointed why stress can turn hair white—a fascinating reminder of how our emotions manifest physically. Meanwhile, the power of sleep is explored, with evidence suggesting that a well-timed afternoon nap may be more restorative than extra hours at night.

Broader societal trends also take center stage. As 2025 ushers in a new generation dubbed “Gen Beta,” understanding their emerging values and behaviors could redefine how we connect and communicate. Additionally, an exploration of luck reveals actionable ways to create opportunities, blending psychology with practical advice.

Amid this constant churn of ideas and innovation, there’s wisdom in taking a step back. Instead of reaching for your phone, letting your mind wander may lead to unexpected insights and creativity. These stories collectively remind us that while the world can seem chaotic—why nothing works anymore being a prime example—we still have the tools to navigate it with intention and purpose.

1. Six Verbs That Make You Sound Weak (No Matter Your Job Title) (Reading time: 4 min) - Read here

2. Why Nothing Works Anymore (Reading time: 8 min) - Read here

3. What to know about a controversial new study on fluoride and IQ (Reading time: 8 min) - Read here

4. Could an Afternoon Nap Really Be Better Than Sleeping More at Night? (Reading time: 4 min) - Read here

5. How a ‘Beginners’ Mindset’ Can Help You Learn Anything (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

6. Invisible Habits Are Driving Your Life (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

7. We Finally Know Why Stress Turns Your Hair White (Reading time: 3 min) - Read here

8. 2025 Marks The Start Of A New Generation. Here's What To Know About 'Gen Beta.' (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

9. How to Get Lucky: The Secrets to Creating Your Own Good Fortune (Reading time: 7 min) - Read here

10. Instead of Pulling Out Your Phone, Let Your Mind Wander (Reading time: 3 min) - Read here

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Book of the week

Michael Ventura’s Applied Empathy: The New Language of Leadership is a refreshing exploration of how empathy can transform modern leadership and business strategies. The book challenges traditional notions of leadership by emphasizing the importance of understanding others deeply—not through sympathy or niceness, but through active, intentional engagement. Ventura, the founder of Sub Rosa, draws from his extensive experience with global brands like Google and Nike to illustrate how empathy-driven approaches can fuel innovation and solve complex challenges.

The book’s central thesis is that empathy is not a soft skill but a strategic advantage. Ventura demystifies empathy, framing it as a practice that requires discipline, self-awareness, and curiosity. He introduces actionable frameworks and tools, such as the "Empathy Mapping System," to help readers cultivate this skill in their personal and professional lives. These strategies, rooted in real-world case studies, provide readers with a roadmap for building stronger teams, improving workplace culture, and fostering authentic connections with customers.

What sets Applied Empathy apart is its practical approach. Ventura’s writing is accessible yet insightful, making complex concepts easy to grasp and implement. The book avoids clichés and dives deep into the nuances of empathy—how it differs from sympathy, why it’s essential for leadership, and how to embed it into organizational structures. The inclusion of lessons from Princeton University’s popular class on empathy, taught by Ventura’s team, adds an academic layer to the book’s practical wisdom.

One of the book’s strengths is its balance between theory and practice. Readers are not only inspired to think differently but are also equipped with tangible steps to act on those insights. For instance, Ventura discusses how empathy can help leaders navigate diversity, foster collaboration, and create value in a rapidly changing marketplace. His real-world examples—ranging from corporate boardrooms to grassroots initiatives—highlight the universality and adaptability of empathy as a tool for growth.

However, the book is not without its limitations. Some readers may find the focus on corporate success stories somewhat narrow, yearning for more exploration of empathy’s applications in non-business contexts. Additionally, while the frameworks are useful, their effectiveness depends on a leader’s willingness to commit to ongoing self-reflection and cultural change—a point that might feel daunting for some.

Applied Empathy ultimately serves as a call to action for leaders at all levels. It urges readers to view empathy not as a buzzword but as a cornerstone of sustainable success. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, an entrepreneur, or someone aspiring to lead, this book offers valuable insights and tools to help you connect more deeply with others and drive meaningful change. It’s a timely reminder that in today’s complex world, understanding others is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity.

For those seeking to redefine their leadership style and build more human-centric organizations, Applied Empathy is a must-read. It’s a thought-provoking guide that bridges the gap between empathy and action, leaving readers inspired to lead with heart and purpose.

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