Online shoppers spent a whopping $10.8 billion this Black Friday

Today’s topics

• Black Friday Online Sales Hit $10.8B

• Meta Unveils Plans for 40,000-KM Subsea Cable

• Americans Define Financial Success at $270K Annually

  and more…

Black Friday Online Sales Break Records!

Online shoppers spent a staggering $10.8 billion this Black Friday, with toys seeing a whopping 622% sales boost compared to average fall levels. Jewelry, appliances, and electronics also saw huge surges, as mobile shopping led the way—55% of purchases were made on smartphones. Popular buys included Harry Potter LEGO sets and gaming consoles. Read more.

Coffee Prices Perk Up to 47-Year High Amid Brazil's Drought Woes

Global coffee prices have surged to their highest levels since 1977, driven by severe drought conditions in Brazil, the world's leading coffee producer. Arabica futures on the ICE exchange peaked at $3.3545 per pound, marking a 75% increase this year. The drought has hindered crop recovery, prompting some Brazilian farmers to delay deliveries in anticipation of even higher prices, thereby tightening supply chains and causing financial strains for traders. Robusta coffee prices have also escalated, reaching near 47-year highs. Read more.

Brazil Eyes $18 Billion Bitcoin Reserve to Modernize Economy

Brazilian Congressman Eros Biondini has proposed the creation of a Bitcoin Sovereign Strategic Reserve (RESBit), aiming to allocate up to $18.6 billion—approximately 5% of the country's international reserves—into Bitcoin. This initiative seeks to diversify Brazil's Treasury assets, safeguard against currency fluctuations and geopolitical risks, and support the nation's central bank digital currency, Drex. The proposal also emphasizes fostering blockchain research and education to enhance Brazil's competitiveness in the global digital economy. Read more.

Americans Believe Financial Success Requires $270,000 Annual Income

A recent study by Empower reveals that Americans consider an annual income of $270,000 and a net worth of $5.3 million as benchmarks for financial success. Generational perspectives vary significantly: Baby Boomers aim for nearly $100,000 annually, while Gen Z aspires to over $587,000. Despite these high figures, only 37% of respondents feel financially successful, with many attributing their status to economic instability and unclear financial goals. Interestingly, 59% define financial success as the ability to spend on experiences they love, rather than mere wealth accumulation. Read more.

Amtrak Sets New Ridership and Revenue Record!

Amtrak has achieved record ridership and revenue in fiscal year 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The surge is credited to expanded Northeast Regional frequencies and a 24% ticket revenue boost from long-distance trains despite limited coach and sleeper capacity. State-supported services in Virginia and North Carolina also played a key role by adding more trips and lowering fares, driving exponential ridership growth. However, challenges remain on routes like Wisconsin's Hiawathas and California's Pacific Surfliner due to commuting changes and service interruptions. Read more.

AI Detects Brain Tumors in Just 10 Seconds!

Researchers from the University of Michigan and UCSF have unveiled FastGlioma, an AI tool capable of identifying residual cancerous brain tumor tissue during surgery in a remarkable 10 seconds. This breakthrough technology outshines traditional methods by delivering rapid, accurate results, promising improved surgical outcomes and future applications in diagnosing other brain tumors. Read more.

Meta’s $10 Billion Subsea Cable to Revolutionize Connectivity!

Meta is investing $10 billion in a 40,000-kilometer subsea fiber-optic cable project to boost global connectivity for its platforms. This network will connect the U.S., India, South Africa, and Australia, bypassing geopolitically sensitive regions for enhanced data security. Expected to start in 2025, the ambitious project aligns with Meta's push for independent data management, similar to other tech giants like Google. Read more.

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Video Games: Brain Boost or Brain Drain?

A study by the University of Montreal reveals that action games like "Call of Duty" may shrink hippocampal gray matter, raising neurological risks, while 3D platformers like "Super Mario 64" can enhance it, boosting memory and spatial skills. The type of game you play determines its impact on your brain. Read more.

Moana 2 Breaks Thanksgiving Box Office Records!

Disney's "Moana 2" has shattered box office records, earning $221 million domestically and $386 million globally during its five-day Thanksgiving opening. This milestone surpasses previous records held by "Frozen II" and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie." The film also contributed to a historic $420 million in total box office sales over the holiday weekend, signaling a strong rebound for theaters. Read more.

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