Argentine President Javier Milei is implementing drastic spending cuts and austerity measures to reduce the country’s fiscal deficit. Despite initial successes, concerns remain about the impact on economic activity and social welfare. Investors are optimistic, but analysts caution that the effects of the austerity may not be sustainable.
Roadside Attractions has acquired the distribution rights to ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness,’ an award-winning drama that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is set for a fall theatrical release and is expected to be a major awards contender.
The O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend ETF (OUSA) is a high-quality ETF that tracks the ALPS O’Shares U.S. Quality Dividend Index. The index selects the top 100 dividend-paying companies based on factors such as profitability, leverage, dividend growth, and volatility. OUSA has a low dividend yield of 1.77% and a high expense ratio of 0.48%. While the ETF has performed well in recent years, it has underperformed its peers, such as the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). Due to its high expense ratio and competitive alternatives, I rate OUSA a “hold.”
The upcoming 2024 election hinges on the support of two pivotal voter groups: Generation Z and older generations (Baby Boomers and Silent Generation). While former President Trump gained support among younger voters from 2016 to 2020, he lost ground with older voters and significantly with Gen Z. Gen Z is expected to comprise an even larger share of the electorate in 2024, emphasizing the importance of appealing to both young and old voters for Republicans to regain control of government. Conservative candidates must address the concerns of younger voters, particularly regarding the rising cost of living, to secure their support. Collaboration between older and younger conservatives is essential to overcome generational stereotypes and unite against common enemies. The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) and Turning Point USA are collaborating to foster cross-generational engagement and equip Americans of all ages with the necessary tools to achieve a historic conservative victory in 2024.
TikTok has submitted a risk assessment report on its new app, TikTok Lite, to the European Commission, averting a potential fine. The EU executive had raised concerns about TikTok Lite’s reward program and its potential addictiveness for children. The company has until Wednesday to present arguments on the reward program, which will determine if the Commission temporarily suspends it until it assesses its safety for children. The Commission is also investigating TikTok Lite’s launch in France and Spain, examining whether it breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) rules.
Asda CFO Michael Gleeson reassures that the supermarket’s shareholders remain dedicated to long-term growth, despite reports of one of the Issa brothers seeking to sell his stake. The company reveals strong financial performance, with sales rising and earnings jumping in 2023. Asda plans to expand its store network, opening 500 new express convenience stores by year-end, primarily through the acquisition of petrol station forecourts. However, the supermarket’s market share has declined since the takeover in 2021, and it faces competition from discounters Aldi and Lidl.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its April World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report, providing insights into the agricultural market. While corn, soybeans, and wheat prices remain bearish, the report highlights factors that may trigger price recoveries. The conflict in Europe’s breadbasket, elevated open interest in futures markets, and weather uncertainty pose potential risks and opportunities for investors. Expert Sal Gilberte emphasizes the need to monitor weather patterns as the crop year progresses and suggests a counter-trend long risk position for grain and oilseed investments.
According to a survey by Ming-Chi Kuo at Medium, Apple’s anticipated shipments of its Vision Pro mixed reality headset are estimated to range between 400,000 to 450,000 units during the 2024-25 period. This projection is significantly lower than the market consensus, which forecasts shipments between 700,000 and 800,000 units. The survey attributes this downward revision to Apple’s ongoing review and adjustment of its head-mounted display product roadmap, potentially resulting in the absence of a new Vision Pro model in 2025. Furthermore, the survey highlights challenges faced by the mixed reality headset market, including a lack of compelling applications, high price point, and concerns over headset comfort. In contrast, the virtual reality (VR) market is characterized as a niche but established sector with proven applications and better trend visibility.
Alto Neuroscience’s (ANRO) ALTO-101, a novel PDE4 inhibitor, has shown promising results in Phase 1 studies for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS). The transdermal patch formulation of ALTO-101 demonstrated improved tolerability and pharmacokinetics compared to oral administration. Alto plans a proof-of-concept study in CIAS patients in H1 2024, with top-line data expected in H2 2025.
Kamo’oalewa, an asteroid orbiting Earth, is believed to be a piece of the Moon that was ejected during an asteroid impact. Researchers suggest that Kamo’oalewa’s orbit, size, spin, and age match the Moon’s, and its surface reflects light similar to weathered lunar rocks. This discovery adds intrigue to the Tianwen-2 mission, which aims to return samples from Kamo’oalewa in 2025.
