Scientists have discovered that the Earth’s inner core is slowing down its rotation and has even reversed direction. This finding, published in Nature, supports previous theories about the core’s cyclical behavior, where it speeds up and slows down over decades. This discovery adds to our understanding of the Earth’s complex inner workings and its influence on the planet’s magnetic field.
Earth’s day, while seemingly constant at 24 hours, has actually fluctuated throughout history, from a shorter 19-hour day a billion years ago to a potential 25-hour day in the future. This ongoing change is driven by various factors, including the moon’s gravitational pull, Earth’s internal processes, and even human activities.
Kyle Hendricks, the 34-year-old right-hander, is working towards a reset in his pitching form after a rocky start to the season. Despite his current struggles, Hendricks’ veteran presence is still valued within the Cubs’ organization. The pitcher is committed to improving his execution, focusing on the mental aspects of the game, and honing his arm path to regain his previous form.
Miami Marlins’ A.J. Puk, initially designated as a starter, will return to the bullpen upon his recovery from a shoulder injury. Despite promising potential as a starter, Puk’s struggles with injuries and underwhelming rotation performance prompted the decision. The Marlins’ rotation has faced depletion due to trades and injuries, initially leading to Puk’s promotion. However, poor results and Puk’s injury have led to a shift in strategy, with the team seeking stability and depth in their pitching staff.
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a shoulder strain, potentially sidelining him for an extended period. The injury adds to the team’s woes in the rotation, with Eduardo Rodriguez also sidelined until at least the end of May. Manager Torey Lovullo initially suggested a shorter absence, but has now indicated that Kelly could be out for a month or more, raising concerns about the rotation’s depth.
The S&P 500 Index has declined -5.5% since March 28, highlighting a rotation away from Nasdaq 100-oriented stocks and mega-cap stocks. The equal-weighted S&P 500 Index (RSP) is now outperforming the capitalization-weighted S&P 500 Index. The Magnificent 7 socks have outpaced the S&P 500 Index since the beginning of the year but have recently pulled back, with an average stock return down -9.0%. While the market is oversold in the short term, further weakness may occur. Earnings season is in full swing, and company outlooks will be an important indication of the views on the year ahead and company views on the economic outlook ahead.
