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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

This week’s headlines reflect a whirlwind of activity across global markets, tech innovation, and personal finance, offering both cautionary tales and opportunities for reflection. Nvidia’s premarket plunge of 10% serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global tech markets, as China’s DeepSeek triggers a widespread sell-off, raising questions about the fragility of investor confidence. Meanwhile, Apple’s announcement that iPhones will support Starlink’s direct-to-cell coverage in the U.S. underscores the relentless pace of technological advancement, potentially reshaping how we think about connectivity. On the investment front, the debate over international stocks continues, with experts weighing the benefits of diversification against geopolitical risks, while the booming ETF market signals a shift in how individuals approach retirement planning.

Mark Cuban’s candid reflection on starting his business with nothing offers a powerful reminder that adversity can be the ultimate catalyst for success, a sentiment echoed by the emotional journey of a former supertrader who, despite wealth and success, grappled with unhappiness. Intel’s narrower-than-expected loss provides a glimmer of hope for the semiconductor industry, even as new Trump tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China threaten to disrupt global trade dynamics. Finally, Elon Musk’s DOGE commission gaining access to sensitive Treasury payment systems adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga of cryptocurrency’s role in mainstream finance. This week’s stories remind us that in both life and investing, resilience, adaptability, and a long-term perspective are key to navigating uncertainty.

1. Nvidia falls 10% in premarket trading as China's DeepSeek triggers global tech sell-off - Read more

2. Do You Need to Own International Stocks? - Read more

3. Mark Cuban: I was out of work and broke when I started the business that made me a millionaire—'if you've got nothing, it's the perfect time' - Read more

4. Apple's iPhones to support Starlink direct-to-cell coverage in US - Read more

5. ‘I was a multimillionaire, I had a beautiful girlfriend, I was unhappy’: the ups and downs of a supertrader - Read more

6. Lessons from my investing career - Read more

7. Intel Posts Narrower-Than-Expected Loss - Read more

8. ETFs are Booming—Here's What it Means for Your Retirement Plans - Read more

9. New Trump tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China set to start Tuesday - Read more

10. Elon Musk's DOGE commission gains access to sensitive Treasury payment systems: AP sources - Read more

Crypto News

This week’s crypto landscape is a fascinating mix of innovation, regulatory scrutiny, and market optimism, showcasing the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the digital asset space. Tether’s decision to bring its $140 billion USDT stablecoin to the Bitcoin and Lightning Networks marks a significant step toward enhancing liquidity and interoperability within the crypto ecosystem. Meanwhile, Bitwise’s Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF clearing its first SEC hurdle signals growing institutional acceptance, potentially paving the way for broader mainstream adoption. Tesla’s revelation of a $600 million gain on its Bitcoin holdings in Q4 highlights the volatile yet lucrative nature of corporate crypto investments, while Bitcoin’s post-Fed meeting rally underscores its sensitivity to macroeconomic cues and central bank policies.

However, the industry continues to face regulatory headwinds, as French investigators open a fraud probe against Binance, and India imposes heavy tax penalties on undisclosed crypto profits, reflecting the global push for greater oversight. In contrast, El Salvador’s accelerated Bitcoin purchases and the Czech central bank head’s call for Bitcoin investments demonstrate the growing divergence in how nations approach digital assets. Despite this, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde’s skepticism about Bitcoin’s reserve potential serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate over its long-term viability. With CryptoQuant predicting Bitcoin’s next rally amid expanding stablecoin liquidity, the stage is set for another potential surge, proving that in the world of crypto, uncertainty and opportunity often go hand in hand.

1. Tether Brings Its $140B USDT Stablecoin to Bitcoin and Lightning Networks - Read more

2. Bitwise’s Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF clears first SEC hurdle - Read more

3. Tesla Marked Up Bitcoin Holdings Valuation in Q4, Booking a $600M Gain - Read more

4. Bitcoin Extends Advance After Fed Meeting, Powell Commentary - Read more

5. French investigators open fraud probe against crypto platform Binance - Read more

6. Czech central bank head wants it to buy billions of euros in bitcoin - Read more

7. El Salvador Accelerates Bitcoin Purchases Despite IMF Agreement - Read more

8. Bitcoin’s Next Rally Around the Corner as Stablecoin Liquidity Expands: CryptoQuant - Read more

9. European Central Bank president: Bitcoin lacks reserve potential - Read more

10. India Targets Undisclosed Crypto Profits With Heavy Tax Penalties - Read more

Artificial Intelligence

This week’s tech headlines are dominated by the rise of DeepSeek, China’s AI powerhouse, which has not only displaced ChatGPT as the App Store’s top app but is also reshaping the global AI landscape. The debate over DeepSeek’s capabilities intensifies as users and experts alike question whether it lives up to the hype, with one hands-on comparison pitting it against ChatGPT across 10 prompts—revealing surprising results that could challenge OpenAI’s dominance. Microsoft’s decision to make DeepSeek’s R1 model available on Azure AI and GitHub further cements its growing influence, even as the company investigates whether a DeepSeek-linked group improperly accessed OpenAI data, raising questions about data security and ethical boundaries.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy’s ban on DeepSeek due to “security and ethical concerns” highlights the geopolitical tensions surrounding AI development, while Dario Amodei’s commentary on DeepSeek and export controls underscores the broader implications of AI as a strategic resource. On the domestic front, ChatGPT Gov aims to streamline government agencies’ access to OpenAI’s models, signaling a push for AI integration in public services. Not to be outdone, Meta AI is advancing personalized assistance, with new features allowing WhatsApp and Messenger to remember user details, reflecting the industry’s race toward smarter, more intuitive AI tools. As DeepSeek continues to disrupt the status quo, the AI arms race shows no signs of slowing down, blending innovation with complex ethical and security challenges.

1. DeepSeek displaces ChatGPT as the App Store’s top app - Read more

2. Is China's AI tool DeepSeek as good as it seems? - Read more

3. I tested ChatGPT vs DeepSeek with 10 prompts — here’s the surprising winner - Read more

4. Microsoft makes DeepSeek’s R1 model available on Azure AI and GitHub - Read more

5. DeepSeek Is Reshaping China’s AI Landscape - Read more

6. Dario Amodei On DeepSeek and Export Controls - Read more

7. ChatGPT Gov is designed to streamline government agencies’ access to OpenAI’s frontier models. - Read more

8. Microsoft Probing If DeepSeek-Linked Group Improperly Obtained OpenAI Data - Read more

9. U.S. Navy bans use of DeepSeek due to ‘security and ethical concerns’ - Read more

10. Building Toward a Smarter, More Personalized Assistant - Meta AI remember certain details that you share with it in 1:1 chats on WhatsApp and Messenger. - Read more

Top Article Picks this week

This week’s collection of articles offers a rich tapestry of insights into personal growth, health, and the broader forces shaping our world, blending science, philosophy, and practical advice. From the simple joys of hobbies to the profound impact of laughter, these stories remind us of the small but powerful ways we can enhance our lives. Science-backed research highlights the benefits of hobbies for mental well-being, while the strange power of laughter reveals its ability to heal and connect us. Memory improvement takes center stage with a decade-long Stanford study that identifies one key habit to avoid, offering a practical tip for cognitive health. Meanwhile, mentorship emerges as a transformative force, with lessons from the best mentors providing a roadmap for personal and professional growth.

On a broader scale, the looming question of whether another Carrington Event—a massive solar storm—could occur reminds us of the fragile balance between humanity and nature. The end of advertising as we know it signals a shift in how brands connect with consumers, while resolutions inspired by great humans offer attainable aspirations for a life worth living. However, not all news is uplifting: researchers’ concerns over Trump’s freeze on science serve as a stark warning about the consequences of sidelining scientific progress. Seasonal health risks, such as the higher likelihood of death in winter, underscore the importance of understanding environmental and biological factors.

For those seeking quick wins, 101 ways to get healthier and happier in just five minutes provide actionable steps, while the connection between exercise and gut bacteria highlights the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Albert Camus’ philosophical musings on combating life’s absurdity offer timeless wisdom, and the surprising benefits of doing things you’re bad at encourage us to embrace vulnerability. Finally, the reminder to focus on what’s within our control serves as a grounding principle for cultivating happiness in an unpredictable world. Together, these stories inspire us to reflect, act, and find meaning in both the mundane and the extraordinary.

1. Why Having a Little Hobby Is So Good for You, According to Science (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

2. The Strange Power of Laughter (Reading time: 2 min) - Read here

3. Want to Improve Your Memory? A Decade-Long Stanford Study Suggests You Should Stop Doing This 1 Thing (Reading time: 3 min) - Read here

4. What the Best Mentors Do (Reading time: 4 min) - Read here

5. Could the Carrington Event happen again? (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

6. The End of Advertising (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

7. Resolutions for a Life Worth Living: Attainable Aspirations Inspired by Great Humans (Reading time: 17 min) - Read here

8. Researchers are terrified of Trump’s freeze on science. The rest of us should be, too. (Reading time: 11 min) - Read here

9. The strange reasons why people are more likely to die in the winter (Reading time: 10 min) - Read here

10. 101 Ways To Get Healthier and Happier – In Just Five Minutes (Reading time: 32 min) - Read here

11. Why a Workout Is Good for Your Gut Bacteria (Reading time: 10 min) - Read here

12. Albert Camus on the Three Antidotes to the Absurdity of Life (Reading time: 3 min) - Read here

13. The Benefit of Doing Things You’re Bad At (Reading time: 5 min) - Read here

14. To Be Happier, Focus on What’s Within Your Control (Reading time: 6 min) - Read here

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Book of the week

In "Unshakeable," Tony Robbins and Peter Mallouk deliver a comprehensive guide to achieving financial freedom that stands out for its accessibility and practical wisdom. The book masterfully breaks down complex financial concepts into digestible insights, combining Robbins' motivational expertise with Mallouk's deep financial acumen. At its core, the book emphasizes the importance of maintaining emotional stability during market volatility, a principle that proves especially valuable during economic uncertainties.

The authors present compelling evidence for long-term investing strategies, backed by interviews with some of the world's most successful investors and detailed historical market analyses. Their discussion of hidden fees and the impact of financial advisor conflicts of interest is particularly eye-opening, potentially saving readers thousands in unnecessary costs over their investment lifetime. The book excels in providing actionable steps for retirement planning, including often-overlooked strategies for maximizing 401(k) returns and social security benefits.

While the core investment principles aren't revolutionary, the authors' approach to psychological barriers in investing and wealth-building sets this book apart from typical financial guides. The real strength lies in its dual focus on both the technical aspects of investing and the mindset required for long-term financial success. Robbins and Mallouk effectively demonstrate how to build a diversified portfolio that can weather any economic storm, while emphasizing the importance of asset allocation and regular rebalancing.

Though some readers might find certain concepts repetitive, especially if they're familiar with Robbins' previous book "Money: Master the Game," the reinforcement serves to drive home crucial points. The authors' insights into market corrections and how to profit from them rather than fear them are particularly valuable for both novice and experienced investors. The book successfully balances technical financial advice with motivational elements, making it an engaging read that keeps readers invested in their financial education.

Despite being published in 2017, many of the core principles and strategies remain highly relevant, particularly the emphasis on long-term thinking and emotional discipline in investing. The collaboration between Robbins and Mallouk brings a unique perspective that combines psychological insights with proven financial expertise, making this book a valuable addition to any investor's library. Finally, while some might find the motivational aspects occasionally overwhelming, the solid financial advice and actionable strategies make "Unshakeable" a worthwhile read for anyone serious about building long-term wealth.

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