Eksentricity

Tech

Gaming Boom in China

• Black Myth: Wukong’s Success: The Chinese AAA title Black Myth: Wukong, developed by Tencent Holdings-backed Game Science, has achieved tremendous success, selling over 8.4 million copies within three days and generating over US$400 million in revenue on Steam. This success has garnered significant attention both in China and globally.
• Investor Confidence: The game’s success has increased investor confidence in the Chinese gaming sector, particularly in AAA game development. This signals a potential shift in the industry, with investors more willing to fund larger projects.
• Talent Concentration: Experienced development teams are likely to attract more resources, leading to further concentration of talent and investment among top game developers.
• Long-Term Growth: Replicating the success of Black Myth may take years, as Game Science spent over six years developing the game, accumulating valuable experience.

DeFi Expansion in OKX Wallet

• THORSwap Integration: OKX Wallet has integrated THORSwap, a cross-chain DEX protocol, expanding its decentralized exchange (DEX) offerings to over 500. This integration enhances the trading experience by allowing seamless asset swaps across multiple blockchains.
• Aurelius Finance Integration: OKX Wallet also integrated Aurelius Finance, a decentralized lending platform, providing advanced tools for managing digital assets and participating in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities.
• DEX Aggregator: As a DEX aggregator, OKX Wallet connects users to over 500 DEXs and 20 bridges, offering access to various tokens, full self-custody, zero fees, and other benefits.
• Web3 Ecosystem: OKX Wallet serves as a user-friendly gateway to the Web3 ecosystem, supporting over 100 blockchains, 10,000 dApps, 170+ DeFi protocols, and 300,000 tokens.

AI Revolutionizing Programming

• AI-Assisted Coding: AI is transforming programming, with former Tesla Autopilot head and OpenAI researcher Andrej Karpathy advocating for AI-assisted coding. He utilizes tools like VS Code Cursor and Sonnet 3.5 for code generation and editing, emphasizing that “unassisted” coding is becoming less practical.
• AI Dominating Coding: Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman predicts that AI will dominate coding, with most developers moving away from directly writing code.
• Amazon Q: Amazon’s AI assistant, Amazon Q, has significantly reduced software upgrade times, saving thousands of work hours.
• Broader Trend: The increasing role of AI in automating coding tasks is part of a broader industry trend, with tools like GitHub Copilot gaining widespread popularity.

Apple’s Tech Lineup: iPhone 16 and Beyond

• iPhone 16 Launch: Apple is set to launch the iPhone 16 on September 10, alongside new Apple Watch and AirPods models. The new iPhones are expected to feature larger screens on Pro models and enhanced camera functionalities.
• Apple Intelligence: Apple will also unveil its AI tools, Apple Intelligence, at the event. However, the initial iPhone 16 models may require a later software update to access these features.
• Boost in Sales: The iPhone 16 launch is critical for Apple, as the company aims to boost revenue following sluggish sales in recent quarters. Some sales are expected to be recorded in the current fiscal quarter.
• Macs Transition: Apple is preparing to transition its Macs to M4 processors later this year. Testing of four new Mac models is underway to ensure compatibility with third-party applications.

SportsTech Hub in Hong Kong

• Linthin Technology’s Expansion: Chinese sports science start-up Linthin Technology is leveraging Hong Kong’s global connections and talent networks to expand its services, supported by InvestHK.
• Incubation Programme: The Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks (HKSTP) incubation program has helped over 850 companies grow, with four filing for IPOs.
• Focus on SportsTech: Hong Kong is prioritizing sports technologies, aligning with its pledge to train local sporting talent and hosting 29 mega sports events this year.
• InvestHK’s Initiatives: InvestHK is actively promoting sports technologies and attracting foreign investment to boost Hong Kong’s economy and employment.

Finance

Market Volatility

• Recent Market Trends: The S&P 500 experienced a sharp decline of over 8% between mid-July and early August, followed by a nearly 8% rebound in the last two weeks. The Nasdaq Composite mirrored this trend, dropping around 12% and entering a correction before recovering 10% in the past two weeks.
• Historical Recovery Patterns: The 2020 market rebound, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the potential for rapid recovery. The S&P 500 plummeted 34% before entering a new bull market.
• Long-Term Investment: Despite recent volatility, historical data suggests that long-term investing strategies typically yield positive returns. For example, the S&P 500 index fund has quadrupled investors’ money since the dot-com bubble burst in 2000.

Interest Rates

• Fed Rate Outlook: Economists and investors anticipate a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September, based on recent meeting minutes suggesting a shift toward lower rates.
• Economic Impact: Lower interest rates generally stimulate economic growth by making borrowing cheaper, encouraging spending and investment. However, they can also contribute to increased inflation.

Social Security

• COLA Projection: The 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security is projected to be 2.6%, the smallest increase in four years. This would mark the first time this century that there have been four consecutive years with COLAs of at least 2.6%.
• Purchasing Power Concerns: The CPI-W, used to calculate the COLA, does not fully align with the spending habits of retirees, who spend more on housing and medical care. These categories are experiencing higher inflation, potentially eroding the purchasing power of Social Security benefits.
• Medicare Premium Impact: A projected 5.9% increase in Medicare Part B premiums in 2025 could offset or negate the benefits of the COLA for many Social Security recipients.

Inflation

• Public Concern: Inflation remains the top financial concern across all generations of Americans, significantly impacting personal finances.
• Inflation Protection Strategies: To protect against inflation, consumers can lock in lower payments for major expenses like mortgages and car loans and invest in assets that tend to outpace inflation, such as stocks.

Global Finance

• US Dollar Status: Experts consider the US dollar overvalued, and its use as a tool for economic sanctions could diminish its global reserve status.
• Gold Demand: As the dollar’s dominance wanes, demand for gold has increased, driving the metal to record high prices.
• Central Bank Reserves: Central banks worldwide are reducing their US dollar holdings and increasing their gold reserves.
• Geopolitical Impact: The US’s use of the dollar and financial system for geopolitical purposes could erode global trust in the currency, potentially leading to a decline in its global influence.

Healthcare

Global Healthcare Trends

• Smart Healthcare Partnerships: MEDIROM MOTHER Labs has partnered with NFES Group, valuing the company at 9 billion yen, to promote the MOTHER Bracelet, a recharge-free smart tracker. This partnership aims to support global health initiatives through innovative technology.
• Sustainable Protein Production: Zydus Lifesciences and Perfect Day have formed a joint venture to establish a manufacturing facility for fermented, animal-free protein, addressing the growing consumer demand for sustainable protein sources.
• Emerging Technologies: The healthcare industry is increasingly adopting AI, machine learning, and other emerging technologies to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
• Digital Health Adoption: The rise of telehealth, virtual care, and wearable devices is revolutionizing healthcare delivery and patient engagement.

Pharmaceuticals

• Obesity Market Expansion: Novo Nordisk’s weight loss therapies, Wegovy and Ozempic, are driving significant growth, with net sales increasing by 24% to $19.6 billion in the first half of 2024.
• Influenza Vaccine Landscape: Novavax is advancing new vaccines, including a coronavirus/flu combination vaccine, amidst competition from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech.
• Drug Development Trends: The pharmaceutical industry is actively developing new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and rare conditions, with a focus on innovation and addressing unmet needs.
• Biosimilar Competition: Biosimilar medications are gaining traction, offering cost-effective alternatives to brand-name biologics and impacting the pharmaceutical market.

Healthcare Services

• Hospital Chain Resilience: HCA Healthcare has shown resilience, growing its market share despite pandemic disruptions, with a 10% revenue increase to $17.5 billion in Q2 2024.
• Medicare Savings Strategies: Medicare enrollees can reduce healthcare costs through strategic enrollment timing, utilizing free preventive services, and considering Medigap supplemental insurance.
• Healthcare Workforce Shortages: The industry continues to face staffing shortages, affecting service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Value-Based Care Models: Value-based care models, emphasizing quality care and cost efficiency, are gaining momentum across the healthcare landscape.

Biotechnology

• Biomanufacturing Innovations: Ginkgo Bioworks is focusing on slashing costs and growing revenue, with its success tied to achieving cost efficiency and attracting more customers.
• Gene Therapy Advancements: Gene therapy is making significant strides, offering promising treatments for various genetic diseases.
• Personalized Medicine: The development of personalized medicine is transforming healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual patients’ needs.
• Clinical Trial Challenges: Clinical trials face challenges related to recruitment, costs, and efficiency, which are impacting the pace of new therapy development.

Pharmaceutical Giants

• Inflation Reduction Act Impact: Johnson & Johnson is navigating challenges from the Inflation Reduction Act, which enables Medicare to negotiate drug prices. The company’s focus on innovation and its extensive portfolio may help it manage these hurdles.
• Mergers and Acquisitions: The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a wave of mergers and acquisitions, driven by strategies for consolidation and growth.
• Research and Development: Pharmaceutical giants are investing heavily in R&D to bring innovative drugs to market, maintaining their competitive edge.
• Regulatory Landscape: The industry is navigating a complex regulatory environment, with evolving guidelines and approvals that influence drug development and market access.

Economy & Real estate

China’s Economic Slowdown

• Investor Flight: Investors are pulling out of China’s $8.2 trillion stock market, seeking refuge in bonds, overseas ETFs, and luxury homes. The Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges have seen a four-year low in turnover, with the CSI 300 Index dropping 10% since its peak this year.
• Unfulfilled Promises: Disillusionment is growing among investors due to the lack of robust measures from the Chinese government, especially regarding the property market crisis. Despite leaders pledging a 5% GDP target, recent cuts to policy interest rates have been insufficient.
• Economic Concerns: Economic growth outlook remains bleak, with new bank lending at its slowest in 14 years and industrial output below expectations.
• Policy Uncertainty: Uncertainty prevails due to opaque reshuffling of finance officials and ongoing securities industry cleanup, raising concerns about further capital market reforms.

India’s Economic Growth

• Q1 FY25 Growth: India’s economy likely grew by 6.85% in the April-June period, down from 7.8% in the last quarter of FY24 and 8.2% in the previous year.
• Factors Contributing to Slowdown: The slowdown is due to factors such as weakening urban consumption, slower manufacturing growth, and moderate government spending during election season.
• Outlook for Subsequent Quarters: Economists expect a rebound in the following quarters despite challenges like an uneven monsoon and weak commodity gains.
• Key Risks: Growth risks include an extended monsoon, lower-than-expected private investment, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Global Shipping Lines Avoid Tax Demand

• Tax Demand Rescinded: The DGGI revoked a Rs 3,000 crore tax demand for FY 2017-18 against 18 foreign shipping firms after they assured authorities that no services were imported during that fiscal year.
• Ongoing Investigations: Tax demands for subsequent years remain, with the GST Council’s fitment committee determining the applicability of exemptions for later years.

China’s Cruise Industry Revival

• Domestic Cruise Liner: China’s first domestically built large cruise liner, Adora Magic City, began its maiden voyage, reflecting the country’s ambition in the global cruise sector.
• Visa-Free Entry: Foreign visitors arriving via international cruises can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 15 days, boosting the industry’s potential.
• Market Recovery: China’s cruise market is recovering, with passenger turnover reaching 50% of 2019 levels.
• Challenges: Price sensitivity among consumers and reluctance to spend are challenges the industry faces in attracting customers.

Residential Real Estate Landscape

• Incentives to Attract Buyers: Chinese developers and cities are offering aggressive incentives to entice homebuyers, including flight lessons and stakes in private jets, as efforts to revive the property market continue to fall short.
• Price Controls: Developers are using incentives as de facto discounts due to price controls on new housing sales.
• Government Support: Despite increased regulatory efforts, the property market shows little sign of recovery.
• Market Segmentation: Developers in second-tier cities are employing more aggressive marketing tactics compared to those in third- and fourth-tier cities.

Investment Opportunities in REITs

• High-Yielding REITs: REITs like W.P. Carey (nearly 6% dividend yield), EPR Properties (over 7% dividend yield), and Essex Property Trust offer attractive opportunities due to their strong financials and dividend growth.
• Growth Potential: These REITs are transitioning away from struggling sectors like offices (W.P. Carey) or focusing on growth areas like experiential real estate (EPR) and supply-constrained West Coast markets (Essex).
• Stable Income-Generating REITs: NNN REIT and Rexford Industrial provide stable income streams with strong financial performance, benefiting from strong demand in their respective markets.

Retail

Retail Expansion and Investment

• Growth Strategies and Funding: Candytoy Corporate aims to increase its turnover by 30% year-on-year, targeting Rs 450 crore by the next fiscal year. To support this growth, the company plans to raise Rs 90 crore through a 10% equity divestment, valuing the company at Rs 900 crore. An initial public offering is planned within the next three years.
• New Production Facilities: The company has inaugurated its third manufacturing facility in Indore and is preparing to launch operations at its Jebel Ali plant near Dubai, UAE. These expansions are intended to meet rising product demand and introduce new categories, such as inflatables and bubble water toys.
• Market Opportunity: Candytoy Corporate sees significant potential in the Indian candy toy market, with limited competition from brands like Ferrero India’s Kinder Joy. The company emphasizes its use of organic sugar and the creative value of its toys as key differentiators compared to imported Chinese products.

Fast Food Industry Dynamics

• Market Dominance: McDonald’s continues to dominate the fast-food industry with over 42,000 stores globally, generating an average of $3 million in sales per store annually.
• Franchisee Relations: Tensions are growing between McDonald’s and its franchisees, who are frustrated with mandated promotions they struggle to afford. These tensions are exacerbated by McDonald’s ownership of the real estate where franchises operate, leading to increasing rent payments.
• Pricing and Promotions: To counter inflation’s impact on consumer spending, McDonald’s introduced $5 value meals. While these promotions have successfully attracted customers, they are putting financial strain on franchisees who bear a significant portion of the costs.

Walmart’s E-commerce Leadership

• Strong Financial Performance: Walmart achieved record-breaking revenue and earnings in Q2, driven by strong growth in its online shopping platform and Walmart+ membership.
• Inventory Management: Walmart successfully managed its inventory, reaching pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating its ability to meet merchandise needs while mitigating the risk of excess inventory.
• Advertising Revenue Growth: Walmart’s advertising business grew by 26% year-over-year, leveraging its online platform as a major e-commerce destination.
• Walmart+ Membership Growth: The expansion of Walmart+ membership is driving store-based fulfillment and same-day delivery, providing a competitive advantage.

Challenges for On Holding

• Growth Targets and Performance: On Holding has set ambitious goals for the remainder of 2024, aiming for 30% net sales growth compared to 2023 and a 60% full-year gross profit margin. Achieving these targets will require significant acceleration in sales growth and margin improvement in the second half of the year.
• Competitive Landscape: On Holding’s premium positioning and growth ambitions face challenges from Nike, which is launching new running shoes and investing heavily in marketing to reclaim market dominance.
• Stock Valuation: On Holding’s stock is trading at a P/S ratio of 9, reflecting high investor expectations. Failing to meet its growth targets could lead to near-term stock price volatility.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Investments

• New Orders: KEC International, a global infrastructure EPC major, has secured new orders worth Rs 1,079 crore in its Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and cables businesses. These contracts include setting up transmission lines in countries like India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE. The company’s strong order intake, exceeding Rs 8,700 crore year-to-date (YTD), reflects a 60% growth compared to the previous year.
• Chevron Investment: Chevron has announced an investment of Rs 8,300 crore to establish its Engineering and Innovation Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The center is expected to employ 600 engineers by 2025, focusing on producing clean, low-carbon fuels.

Transportation

• CN Rail Arbitration: CN Rail, one of Canada’s major railway operators, has been ordered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to engage in binding arbitration with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC). This decision effectively ends the recent strike notice and extends the existing collective agreement, ensuring the continued safe transportation of goods.
• XPO Driver Awards: Three drivers from XPO, a leading LTL freight transportation provider in North America, received top awards at the 2024 National Truck Driving Championships. XPO’s strong performance included 22 drivers competing among 65 participating teams.

Corporate Mobility

• Market Expansion: The Indian corporate mobility market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by regulatory changes, technological advancements, and economic expansion. The Employee Transportation Services (ETS) and Corporate Car Rental (CCR) sectors are both expanding.
• ETS Market Growth: Valued at approximately Rs 50,350 crore ($6.1 billion) in 2023, the ETS market is projected to reach Rs 1,09,760 crore ($13.2 billion) by 2030, fueled by increasing corporate demand for reliable commuting solutions for employees.
• CCR Market Growth: The CCR market, estimated at Rs 39,240 crore ($4.7 billion) in 2023, is expected to generate annual revenue of Rs 73,180 crore ($8.8 billion) by 2030, driven by rising business travel needs and the demand for premium services.

Nuclear Energy

• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): India plans to deploy 40-50 small modular nuclear reactors as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. These reactors are intended to replace captive thermal power plants.
• Redesigned PHWRs: The Department of Atomic Energy and Tata Consulting Engineers are redesigning the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) to develop the Bharat Small Modular Reactor. The plan includes producing 40-50 reactors over the next seven to eight years, with an emphasis on standardization, safety, and modularity.

Air Force

• E-7A Wedgetail: The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has awarded Boeing a $2.56 billion contract to build two prototype E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, designed for Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) of moving targets. The Air Force plans to acquire 26 units in total, with Boeing expecting to produce up to six planes per year once production reaches full capacity.

Commodities

Precious Metal Trends

• Gold Price Fluctuations: The price of 24-carat gold slightly decreased, trading at Rs 72,640 per 10 grams on Saturday. Meanwhile, 22-carat gold also saw a decline, dropping to Rs 66,590 per 10 grams. Prices remained consistent in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad at Rs 72,640, while Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai saw minor increases, reaching Rs 72,790, Rs 72,640, and Rs 72,640 respectively.
• Silver Price Drop: The price of silver declined by Rs 100, settling at Rs 86,600 per kilogram.
• US Gold Surge: U.S. gold prices surged over 1%, closing at $2,512.63 per ounce. This increase was driven by a weakening U.S. dollar and lower Treasury yields, following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s hints at a potential interest rate cut in September.

Metals Industry Developments

• Shyam Metalics & Energy Acquisition: Shyam Sel and Power (SSPL), a subsidiary of Shyam Metalics and Energy, acquired a 100% stake in SMEL Steel Structural for Rs 1 lakh. This acquisition aims to expand manufacturing capabilities for various metal products, including aluminum foil, flat-rolled products, and foil stocks.
• Rakan Steels Profit Decline: Rakan Steels reported a significant decline in standalone net profit, dropping 50% to Rs 0.01 crore in Q2 2024 compared to Rs 0.02 crore in the same period last year. Sales also decreased by 57.69% to Rs 2.56 crore, down from Rs 6.05 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Cryptocurrency Market Outlook

• Bitcoin Price Forecast: Crypto strategist Michaël van de Poppe predicts that Bitcoin could reach new all-time highs if it breaks through the critical resistance level of $62,000. A breakthrough could potentially lead to new highs by early September.
• Ethereum Market Potential: Van de Poppe also suggests that Ethereum flipping the $2,700 resistance level into support could spark a bullish trend for altcoins, leading to significant upward momentum.
• CMONK’s Solana Surge: CMONK, a Solana-based meme coin, has defied market trends, experiencing a remarkable 748.13% surge over the past 40 days, with a 33% gain in the last 24 hours. The team is optimistic about reaching a $1 billion market cap by the end of 2024.
• Toncoin Price Plunge: Toncoin, developed by Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, dropped over 19% following Durov’s arrest in France.

Energy Sector Updates

• ONGC Production Increase: ONGC has commenced production from a new well in its deep-sea project in the Krishna Godavari basin, boosting crude oil and natural gas production. The company aims to increase oil production to 30,000 bopd and gas output to 6 mmscmd by March 2025.

Export Duty Drawback Reduction

• Gold & Silver Duty Adjustments: The government has reduced the drawback rates on exports of gold and silver jewelry by more than half. This adjustment follows substantial cuts in import duties on precious metals announced during the Budget. The drawback rate for gold jewelry exports has been reduced to Rs 335.5 per gram of net gold content, while the rate for silver jewelry and articles has been lowered to Rs 4,468 per kilogram of net silver content.

Politics & Legal

2024 Presidential Race

• Harris’ Lead: Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump by 7 points in national polls, with 47% support compared to Trump’s 39%.
• Trump’s Betting Market Advantage: Despite Harris’ poll lead, betting markets favor Trump with a 51% chance of winning, largely due to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s withdrawal and endorsement of Trump, which has streamlined the race.
• Kennedy’s Impact: Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump, after previously being a potential vote-splitter, now bolsters Trump’s position.
• Harris’ Campaign Spending: Harris is heavily investing in key battleground states, spending $90 million on an ad campaign to counter Trump’s efforts.

Legal Battles

• Trump’s Fraud Appeal: Donald Trump is appealing a $454 million fraud judgment, arguing the unconstitutionality of the case, lack of real harm, and the age of the alleged conduct.
• Rosen Law Firm’s Class Actions: Rosen Law Firm represents investors in class action lawsuits against companies including Lululemon, Oddity Tech, NANO Nuclear Energy, and Vicor Corporation.

Social Security Reform

• Social Security as Top Issue: Social Security remains a top financial priority, particularly for baby boomers, making it a central issue in the 2024 election.
• Harris’ Proposal: Kamala Harris supports raising the payroll tax cap for earnings above $400,000, increasing benefits, and adjusting cost-of-living calculations to better reflect senior needs.
• Trump’s Position: Donald Trump opposes changes to Social Security, advocating for eliminating taxes on benefits and funding the program with oil and gas revenues.

International Relations

• India’s Ukraine Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine marks a significant moment in India’s global role, emphasizing peace, balanced diplomacy, and cooperation.
• Thailand’s Land Bridge Project: Thailand’s new prime minister may seek Chinese funding for the country’s land bridge project, potentially replacing the Kra canal.
• US Trade Restrictions: The Biden administration has expanded trade restrictions, adding 105 Russian and Chinese firms to the list for allegedly supporting the Russian military in Ukraine.

Abortion Debate

• Trump’s Abortion Stance: Donald Trump has stated he would not endorse a nationwide abortion ban, contrasting with the Republican Party’s stance.
• Vance’s Comments: Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance suggested that Trump would veto a federal abortion ban if re-elected.
• Harris’ Position: Kamala Harris has stated that Trump would sign a national abortion ban if elected.

Political Commentary

• O’Leary’s Warning: Kevin O’Leary, of Shark Tank fame, warned Democrats that Kamala Harris could be a repeat of the Hillary Clinton scenario.
• Mary Trump’s Advice: Mary Trump advised Kamala Harris to use her prosecutorial background during the upcoming debate to counter her uncle’s claims.
• Musk’s X Poll: Elon Musk conducted a poll on his social media platform, X, showing a significant preference for Republicans among his followers.
• Congress’s Jibe: The Congress party criticized the Modi government over the Unified Pension Scheme, accusing it of repeated U-turns on policies.

Stock Picks

CEO Switches

• Chipotle’s Departure: Brian Niccol, Chipotle’s CEO, has left the company to become the new CEO of Starbucks. Following the announcement, Chipotle’s stock dropped 6%, while Starbucks surged 23%. Investors are uncertain about Chipotle’s future without Niccol but hope his leadership can revive Starbucks’ growth.
• Chipotle’s Turnaround: Since joining Chipotle in 2018, Niccol successfully reversed a decline in comparable-restaurant sales caused by food poisoning outbreaks and weak mobile app adoption. He introduced new ordering options, expanded the mobile app, launched a rewards program, and raised prices to combat inflation.
• Starbucks’ Challenges: Starbucks has faced slowing growth, with declining comparable-restaurant sales in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2024 due to inflation and increased competition. Niccol’s challenge will be to reignite growth at Starbucks, particularly in China, where the company has limited experience.

High Dividend Stocks

• Philip Morris International: The tobacco giant is diversifying beyond cigarettes into less harmful products like Iqos heat-not-burn devices and Zyn nicotine pouches. EPS is projected to grow 11% to 13% in 2024, and the stock offers a 4.4% dividend yield.
• British American Tobacco: While facing declining cigarette volumes in the U.S., British American Tobacco is growing its new categories segment, including nicotine pouches and vapor devices. Its dividend yield is a high 8.1%, with potential for further growth.

E-commerce Growth

• Shopify: The e-commerce platform continues to thrive, with its stock rising 2,800% since going public in 2015. Shopify’s subscription revenue reached $563 million in Q2 2024. Although expensive, trading at a P/FCF of 74, Shopify offers strong business fundamentals and future growth potential.

Restaurant Performance

• Chipotle: The burrito chain has seen remarkable growth, with revenue increasing 1,360% since 2006. Despite inflation and weakened consumer spending, Chipotle’s comparable-restaurant sales grew 11.1% last quarter. While its stock trades at 51 times earnings, its growth and expansion plans present upside potential.
• Sweetgreen: The fast-casual salad chain has stabilized same-store sales growth and is narrowing its losses, leading to a rally in its stock price. Revenue is expected to grow 15% to 16% in 2024, with EBITDA expected to triple between 2024 and 2026.

Technology Trends

• Nvidia: Nvidia, a dominant player in AI, has seen its stock soar more than 150% this year. Strong demand for generative AI chips and networking hardware boosted its revenue by 262% in Q1 of fiscal 2025. Nvidia’s Q2 earnings report on Aug. 28 is highly anticipated, with expectations of triple-digit revenue and earnings growth.

Miscellaneous

Financial Literacy

• Cultural Impact: Financial literacy is often overlooked in immigrant households, leading to a lack of understanding of basic financial concepts such as credit and savings.
• Multigenerational Living: Living with parents can provide financial stability, allowing individuals to focus on improving their financial literacy and saving money.
• Financial Growth: This arrangement can also enable individuals to build their financial knowledge while saving for future goals.
• Future Goals: The importance of financial planning and increasing income through career growth is emphasized.

Cost of Living

• Hawaii’s High Cost: Hawaii is known for its high cost of living, with grocery and housing expenses significantly exceeding national averages.
• Limited Salary Growth: Salary growth in Hawaii often lags behind rising costs, contributing to financial strain for residents.
• Economic Disparity: A $93,000 salary in Hawaii in 2020 was considered “low income,” highlighting the disparity between local and national income levels.
• Financial Discipline: Continued financial discipline is necessary to navigate Hawaii’s high cost of living.

Flight Attendant Perks

• Tax-Free Salary and Accommodation: Emirates flight attendants enjoy tax-free salaries and company-provided accommodation in Dubai.
• Comprehensive Benefits: The airline offers benefits such as transportation, laundry services, and full medical and dental coverage.
• Financial Advantages: These perks allow flight attendants to save a significant portion of their income while traveling the world.
• Career Opportunity: The attractive benefits and travel opportunities make a flight attendant career appealing.

Bassmaster College National Championship

• Winning Strategy: Lander University’s team focused on shallow fishing in the Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers, targeting bream-eating bass to secure their victory.
• Team Success: The team achieved a three-day total of 49 pounds, winning the Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship.
• Day 3 Performance: They secured victory on Day 3 with the event’s heaviest bag, leading Emmanuel University by 1-3 pounds.
• Future Opportunities: The team earned a spot in the Bassmaster College Classic Bracket, with potential to advance to the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic.

Ford’s EV Strategy

• Affordable EV Platform: Ford aims to develop a low-cost EV platform with a target price of $25,000.
• Financial Challenges: The company’s Model-e division is projected to face significant losses, totaling $5.5 billion in 2024.
• Strategic Adjustments: Ford is scaling back its EV spending, canceling plans for three-row electric crossovers, and delaying its full-size electric pickup.
• Investor Concerns: These moves raise concerns among investors about the viability of Ford’s EV strategy and the potential impact on traditional vehicle margins.