Stay Informed, Stay Ahead

Iranian protesters continue to demonstrate against the government despite a severe crackdown, with reports of hundreds killed or injured. The protests, fuelled by rising inflation, have spread to over 100 cities, calling for an end to clerical rule. The government has responded with violence and an internet blackout, creating challenges in obtaining accurate information.

Protests in Minneapolis against ICE intensified following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. Demonstrations led to over 30 arrests, with incidents of property damage reported. The protests have sparked nationwide solidarity, with similar demonstrations in several major cities.

The UK Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, has proposed a ban on social media use for individuals under 16 if they were in power, drawing inspiration from a similar policy in Australia.

A Utah state senator has introduced a bill to tax adult websites and support mental health services for teens, amid a growing trend of age-verification laws and restrictions on adult content.

SpaceX has been granted approval by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total authorized number to 15,000. This move aims to enhance global high-speed internet coverage, addressing both fixed and mobile needs.

Europe is increasingly recognizing the need for reusable rockets in its space industry. While a consensus exists, the path forward for implementation and budgeting remains unclear. Efforts include funding for new rocket technologies and potential retrofits of the Ariane 6 for partial reuse, yet progress has been fragmented and slow.

BlackRock is investing heavily in AI-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and sees significant growth potential in artificial intelligence as part of its long-term investment strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of precise market exposure amid a concentrated equity market and recommends diversification and income generation as key strategies leading up to 2026.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett indicated that the White House is prepared with alternative strategies if the Supreme Court opposes President Trump's tariff actions under emergency powers.

While spot bitcoin ETFs have been available for two years, they remain a novel investment for many. BlackRock's Jay Jacobs highlights the early stages of investor education on bitcoin and ethereum, as the firm's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF see declines. Large asset managers like BlackRock are expanding cryptocurrency investment options, fostering investor loyalty even amidst market volatility.