📈 Interest rates matter, or do they?

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Markets

When Will Interest Rates Really Start to Matter? (5 minute read)
For a while, experts kept predicting that interest rates would rise, but they surprised us all by continuously going down year after year. Just when rates hit 0%, everyone seemed to believe that lower rates were here to stay... until suddenly, rates shot up higher than anyone could have imagined in such a short span of time. That's just how the markets work, always keeping us on our toes. Initially, when rates started climbing, it felt inevitable that the Federal Reserve would stumble, and we'd be back to zero interest rate policy (ZIRP) in no time. However, something funny happened—rates rose significantly, yet nothing really broke. At least not yet. So, when will it all start to matter? There’s three intriguing areas of the markets and the economy that we should explore.

Yellen says US doesn’t want ‘winner take all’ fight with China (3 minute read)
During her highly anticipated visit to Beijing, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized that the competition between the world's largest economies should not be a "winner-take-all" situation and called for a fair set of rules to govern this rivalry. Yellen's comments were made during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, as both nations continue to grapple with contentious issues ranging from trade to Taiwan's security. Yellen expressed the desire for healthy economic competition that can benefit both countries in the long run, highlighting the importance of targeted actions to protect national security. In response, Li struck a note of optimism, envisioning a future where bilateral ties would evolve into a "rainbow" after weathering challenging times. He urged Chinese entrepreneurs to be prepared for hardships while maintaining a broader perspective for the future.

Investing

AI Will Disrupt These Industries. These ETFs Could Benefit (3 minute read)
AI's impact on the technology sector is undeniably profound, as it serves as the bedrock of this field. It's no wonder that tech stocks are skyrocketing this year, thanks in large part to AI's influence. This trend is not limited to cloud computing and semiconductor stocks; AI's disruptive potential transcends these boundaries. The long-term outlook appears promising because the broader the range of industries that embrace AI, the more favorable the adoption trajectory becomes, potentially leading to better investment outcomes. Here are three ETFs that could benefit.

Wall Street Spots Blockchain Opportunities as Crypto Stumbles (4 minute read)
In the realm of cryptocurrencies, the old mantra of "move fast and break things" was once a guiding principle, but unfortunately, it led to numerous breakdowns, resulting in notable bankruptcies and legal actions. Surprisingly, it is now the traditional financial institutions that were initially targeted for disruption by crypto, who are cautiously carrying the torch, albeit at a slower pace. While it may lack the same excitement as the "Dogecoin to the moon" era, blockchain innovations are finding their way into the more mundane yet critical task of streamlining Wall Street's infrastructure. Even the attire at crypto conferences has undergone a transformation, with fewer hoodies and more suits and ties on display. JPMorgan Chase & Co., for instance, recently expanded its blockchain-based payment platform to facilitate the use of euros for corporate clients, and they are also exploring the expansion of an asset tokenization platform that has already traded an impressive $785 billion in notional value.

Apple's Strategic Voyage into India's Financial Realm (3 minute read)
Apple's partnership with HDFC Bank to launch its credit card in India marks a significant moment at the intersection of technology and finance. With India undergoing a digital revolution, a growing middle class, and government support for digital payments, the timing is ideal for Apple to tap into the rising demand for seamless financial services. This strategic move allows Apple to leverage the transformative market and capitalize on the evolving landscape of India's digital financial space.

Money

What is Life Planning? (6 minute read)
While putting your finances on autopilot can have its benefits, neglecting to reassess how your money can enhance your life may cause you to miss out on fulfilling opportunities. Life planning bridges the gap between the emotional and technical aspects of money. It goes beyond making financially sound decisions and delves into understanding your individuality, values, and aspirations, helping you make the right financial choices tailored to your needs. Life planning involves discovering what truly matters to you, envisioning your ideal life, overcoming potential obstacles, generating the motivation to pursue it, and aligning your money accordingly. If your money isn't supporting the life you desire, it begs the question: What purpose is it serving?

How To Calculate The Value Of A College Degree (4+ minute read)
Don't fret if you have a negative net worth after graduating with student debt—your college degree holds more value than you think. Millions invest years and money into obtaining a degree, making it a valuable asset. Net worth is determined by assets minus liabilities, and the future cash flows of a college degree can be equated to lifetime earnings, giving it substantial worth. However, considering the expenses and time commitment, some may question the necessity of a college degree in the digital age where free online education is abundant. Here are several ways that you can calculate the value of a college degree.

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