Back by popular demand…your Monday morning roundup.
Major stock market debut.
Trump and Putin meet.
Wedding Crashers meets Uber?
Markets
PAST WEEK | YEAR-SO-FAR | |
|---|---|---|
Nasdaq | +0.9% | +12.2% |
S&P500 | +1.0% | +9.9% |
MSCI Emerging Markets | +1.1% | +19.6% |
Bitcoin* | -0.7% | +25.9% |
Ethereum* | +5.8% | +34.2% |
Stock of the week: | +85.6% | +85.6% |
Crypto of the week: | +158.6% | +141.4% |
*Source: CoinGecko.com As of 4:14PM August 17, 2025
World news
Top news stories of the past week
1) Bullish market debut: Going public is cool again, and the crypto company Bullish proves it. The cryptocurrency exchange with a CEO that used to run the NASDAQ just went public this past week, and their stock was up 83% in one day. Is that good? Yes.
2) Trump and Putin meet: With a B2 Bomber flying overhead, Russian President Vladimir Putin met U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. They discussed many things and decided nothing - CLASSIC POLITICIAN MOVE.
3) Check your flight status: One of the biggest airlines in North America, Air Canada, is cancelling flights with 10,000 flight attendants striking. The airline employees are looking for more money, particularly to pay for time spent on the ground between flights and while helping passengers during boarding. Seems…reasonable?
Top WEIRD stories of the past week
1) A library book was returned after 82 years. Just keep it next time.
2) Scientists figured out where potatoes come from. Thank god, I’ve been so worried.
3) Do you want to crash wedding? This Paris-based startup lets you buy tickets to strangers’ weddings like booking an Uber. It helps the nuptials cover costs and helps you party. Major win-win.
Chart
You like charts? Graphs? Ya you do
U.S. mortgage rates hit their lowest level in ten months, but they still look pretty steep:
Personal Finance
Financial booster
New segment sponsored by Red Bull! (Not actually, but they aren’t reading this, so who cares).
Should you convert your traditional retirement account into a Roth? Why would you even want to?
Pay taxes now, then enjoy tax-free growth and withdrawals.
No required withdrawals in retirement, so money can grow longer.
Can save on taxes if your future tax rate is higher.
Adds flexibility by having both pre-tax and Roth money.
Heirs inherit tax-free withdrawals too.
Since current low tax rates (37% vs the previous 40%) end after 2025, converting this year lets you lock them in. That can save you money, boost tax-free growth, and give you more flexibility later.
Worth considering! Here’s how.
Music
Banger of the week
Most important thing
Meme? Nah. Art.
