Valentine’s Day may be over, but love is still in the air—and by love I mean tariffs.

Which one did I give my wife? I’ll never tell, but there will be signs, like the two container ships filled with aluminum arriving tomorrow.

Anyway the world is in chaos now because the U.S. government is keeping everyone guessing with wild new policies every day.

Markets

*Source: CoinGecko.com As of 5:47PM February 16, 2025

World news

Top news stories of the past week

1) Trump still loves tariffs: The U.S. president ordered a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminum entering the U.S., ending previous exemptions for allies including Canada and the EU. The U.S. is the world's largest importer of steel, counting Canada, Brazil, and Mexico as its top three suppliers. This move is part of Trump’s broader strategy to boost the U.S. economy and, of course, “make America rich again.”

2) VP roasted Europe: U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a controversial speech at the 61st Munich Security Conference. Instead of focusing on traditional security topics or the Ukraine conflict, Vance criticized European democracies, claiming their greatest threat comes "from within." He accused European governments of abandoning fundamental values, stifling free speech, and ignoring public concerns about immigration. It prompted immediate criticism from European officials, including German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who called Vance's assertions "unacceptable." 🥰

3) U.S. government fires/rehires: The U.S. government is attempting to rehire nuclear safety employees from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) who were fired on Thursday as part of President Trump's efforts to reduce the federal workforce. The layoffs, which affected between 50 and 300 NNSA staff, have raised concerns about national security, as the agency oversees the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile. The administration is now struggling to contact the dismissed employees, who have lost access to their federal email accounts. Because nothing says "we're serious about national security" like trying to track down former workers through outdated contact info.

Top WEIRD stories of the past week

1) A ‘Cake Bandit’ opossum was hospitalized after eating in an entire Costco cake. Relatable queen.

2) A kayaker was temporarily swallowed by a humpback whale in in Chile. Don’t worry - he’s fine, and now holds the undisputed title for Best Dinner Party Story Ever.

3) China Is Hosting The World’s First Foot Race Between Humans and Robots. Step one: running. Step two: world domination.

Personal finance

Ultimate Financial Checklist

Are you in your 30s and wondering if you're on track financially?

Most people think they’re doing fine—but small gaps today can become huge regrets later.

That’s why we put together The Ultimate Financial Checklist for Your 30s—a simple, step-by-step guide to help you:

✅ Optimize your spending
✅ Build your emergency fund
✅ Crush high-interest debt
✅ Max out employer benefits
✅ Start investing with confidence

Technology

On the edge - MatterGen (generative materials design)

MatterGen is a generative AI model developed by Microsoft researchers to help scientists discover new materials. Unlike traditional methods, which focus on studying materials we already know, MatterGen generates entirely new materials from scratch. It can design materials with specific features, such as better energy storage or improved strength. Using AI, it can explore possibilities that haven't been considered yet, helping researchers find materials faster.

This technology could have a huge impact on industries like electronics, energy, and manufacturing.

Many of today’s biggest challenges, like energy storage and climate change, need new materials with specific qualities. MatterGen’s ability to create new materials helps scientists explore and find solutions to these complex global problems.

Chart

You like charts? Graphs? Ya you do

Annual inflation in the U.S. rose by 3% in January and projections indicate another 3% increase in February, as higher egg (love eggs) and energy prices contributed to the rising cost of living for Americans.

Investment idea

What are we investing in?

Gig economy

The gig economy refers to the growing trend of short-term, flexible jobs where individuals work as freelancers or independent contractors, rather than full-time employees. This includes roles like drivers for Uber or Lyft, freelance writers, graphic designers, and delivery workers. As more people choose freelance work, the gig economy businesses that support them are also growing in number and size.

Wondering how to invest in this tech trend? You have a couple of options, including individual stocks and ETFs:

• Shopify (SHOP) - this is “picks and shovels” play i.e. making it easier for gig economy workers to run their businesses

• Uber (UBER) - making anyone a taxi or food delivery driver

• SoFi Be Your Own Boss ETF (GIGE) - this is a diversified ETF that offers exposure to the gig economy

  

History

On this day…

…In 1801, Thomas Jefferson was elected the third president of the United States. What a time to be alive.

Music

Banger of the week

Most important thing

Meme? Nah. Art.