1.) E-Z Money - The BIG Story
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict is causing volatility in the markets. The most recent Russian attack killed at least 35 – some of which are certain to be Westerners – after Moscow hit a base just 20 kilometers from the Polish border. Russia’s efforts in Ukraine have remained bogged down leading to Putin asking China for military equipment and economic relief. China has distanced itself from the conflict after the Russian army struggled to gain a foothold, condemning the aggression at the UN Security Council. Stock futures rose on Sunday night as investors waited for the latest news on the conflict and for updates around the Fed’s first rate hike since 2018.
2.) “To the Moon” — Retail Investing
Speaking of China, the Chinese Uber – Didi ($DIDI), plunged 44% on Friday and is now 87% below its IPO price from last year. The shares are in free fall amid a Chinese crackdown on domestic companies that are listed in the United States. Didi said in December that it would delist from the New York Stock Exchange and re-list in Hong Kong. The stock is so low that it’s now being included in “penny stocks to watch” lists…LOL. The good news for investors: there may actually be some value at these prices.
3.) “The Cypher” — Crypto Investing
The cryptocurrency sector remained relatively stable over the weekend with Bitcoin ($BTC) trading around $38K. Investors are waiting for the Federal Reserve to announce a rate hike increase that could come on March 15th or 16th. Some analysts are warning that Bitcoin could plummet on the announcement, similar to many other speculative stocks. Traders are also following news out of the EU on a measure that could effectively outlaw cryptocurrencies. The proposed rule is seen as too close to call right now and seeks to limit digital currencies from using so much energy in their computing process known as “proof of work.” (Ape Translation - Proof of work = the blockchain. It’s what keeps Bitcoin secure.)
4.) “Straight Cash” — Sports Betting
March Madness is here! For the first time in nearly two years the NCAA Tournament will have a relatively “normal” competition with few Covid precautions. L is not going to give a pick because it’s too early but he will send out some advice to all of those filling out their brackets. He completely agrees with this article when it says fade Villanova, Providence, and Michigan State. His Final Four features: Gonzaga, Purdue, Tennessee, and Kansas with Purdue beating Kansas in the National Championship game.
5.) “The Alternatives” — The Latest in NFTs
Sports teams are now fully capitalizing on the NFT phenomenon. The San Antonio Spurs will celebrate coach Gregg Popovich becoming the winningest coach in NBA history by selling 1,336 NFTs for charity. The idea, spurred by long-time assistant coach Brett Brown, is meant to represent a non-fungible token for each one of Popovich’s victories. The NFTs will include five hand-drawn offensive play cards and the five Spurs court designs over his 26 years as head coach.
Meme Roundup
Extra Musk