December Week 1

CRYPTO RESET
Bitcoin Surges Past $40,000: A Crypto Comeback

In a dazzling comeback, Bitcoin has breached the $40,000 mark for the first time since May 2022, riding a resurgence wave fueled by anticipated interest-rate cuts and heightened demand for exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

As the digital clock in Singapore struck 7:22 a.m. on a Monday morning, Bitcoin notched up a 1% gain, dancing joyously at $40,005. This marks an impressive 142% surge in 2023. Remember, the last time Bitcoin grazed this altitude was just before the TerraUSD stablecoin collapse, a catastrophe that triggered a domino effect of collapses across the crypto sector.

Investors, now more than ever, seem convinced that the Federal Reserve is putting its rate-hiking days to rest as inflation takes a breather. The spotlight shifts to predictions about the extent of cuts in the upcoming year, sparking a global market rally in the process.

Eyes in the crypto realm are fixated on decisions looming in the corridors of power, waiting for applications from heavyweights like BlackRock Inc. seeking the green light to launch the first US spot Bitcoin ETFs. Bloomberg Intelligence is optimistic, predicting a parade of such funds securing Securities & Exchange Commission approval by January.

Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG Australia Pty, emphasizes that "Bitcoin continues to be supported by optimism around SEC approval for an ETF and Fed rate cuts in 2024." For the technically inclined, all eyes are on $42,330 as the next checkpoint.

Bitcoin's phoenix-like rise from the ashes of the 2022 crypto crash has weathered the storm of a US regulatory crackdown. Notable figures like Sam Bankman-Fried faced legal thunder, and even the mighty Binance, along with its founder Changpeng Zhao, found themselves in legal crosshairs with substantial fines.

Optimists in the crypto community see recent regulatory actions and the flurry of ETF applications as signs of the industry maturing, potentially broadening its investor base. While uncertainties linger, especially around rate adjustments and ETF developments, the current market mood is undeniably upbeat.

Adding to this bullish sentiment is the impending Bitcoin halving next year, slicing in half the tokens miners receive as a reward. This periodic event is a key chapter in capping Bitcoin supply at 21 million tokens, historically resulting in record highs.

Despite this recent surge, Bitcoin, along with other tokens like Ether and BNB, is yet to reclaim the heights achieved during the pandemic-era crypto bull run when the largest token peaked at almost $69,000 in November 2021. The crypto stage is set, and the audience awaits the unfolding drama of what comes next in this digital financial theater. 🚀💰😎

MUSIC RESET
A Sonic Showdown is coming Samsung and Google Unveil IAMF, a Dolby Atmos Challenger

Samsung and Google are teaming up to disrupt the audio realm, introducing ‘Immersive Audio Model and Formats’ (IAMF), a fresh 3D spatial audio technology aiming to rival Dolby Atmos. IAMF, touted as the first open-source 3D spatial audio tech, emerged from the collaborative efforts of Samsung and Google's clandestine 'Project Caviar' venture, focused on advancing open and royalty-free HDR video and 3D audio alternatives.

IAMF is not just an acronym; it's a symphony of three key elements set to redefine your auditory experience. First on the list is vertical sound, allowing listeners to embrace audio not just from the front, behind, or sides, but also from above or below. Imagine hearing birds fluttering over your head while watching nature documentaries at home.

But IAMF doesn't stop there. Leveraging the power of AI and deep learning, it intelligently dissects scenes and dynamically adjusts audio levels. For instance, in cinematic moments, IAMF directs your attention to the soundtrack, creating a balance that enhances the viewing experience. When characters engage in dialogue, IAMF fine-tunes the audio stage, ensuring the conversation takes center stage.

What's more, IAMF is all about personalization. Users can tweak audio preferences, infusing weight into action-packed sound effects or amplifying dialogue clarity during crucial conversations. This technology empowers users to curate their sonic universe according to their taste.

Despite Samsung embracing Dolby Atmos in its 2022 TV lineup, IAMF raises questions about the future. Could this be a signal of Samsung moving away from Dolby Atmos? The audio battleground is set, and the CES 2024 in January might unveil more about IAMF, potentially marking a new era in the auditory domain. Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to hear your entertainment like never before. 🔈🔊🔉

TECH RESET
Nvidia's AI Odyssey: A Visionary Ride for Investors

In the unfolding drama of 2023's stock market, one company stands as a defining force: Nvidia. The GPU maestro, with its graphics processing units (GPUs), took center stage in the year's remarkable AI advancements, powering everything from OpenAI's ChatGPT to Microsoft's ambitious forays into the AI realm.

The stock performance mirrors this ascent, with Nvidia's shares soaring approximately 220% year to date, propelling its market cap to a staggering $1.15 trillion. Investors, riding the waves of AI fervor, have seen substantial returns.

Yet, according to Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, the AI spectacle is just beginning. Speaking at The New York Times' DealBook Summit, Huang dropped a bombshell prediction: AI technologies will be "fairly competitive" with humans within the next five years.

For AI investors, this proclamation opens a Pandora's box of possibilities. Huang's forecast hints at massive leaps in AI capabilities, promising a future where man and machine are in a neck-and-neck race. What does this mean for the juggernaut that is Nvidia?

Nvidia's GPUs, initially designed for high-end gaming, found a second home in AI. These processing powerhouses became the backbone for cloud data centers, a fundamental component for running intensive AI applications.

The CEO's prediction signals not just a leap but a quantum jump in AI progress. If Huang's timeline is remotely accurate, the demand for Nvidia's GPU hardware and computing services is poised to skyrocket.

Despite Nvidia's stock already resembling a rocket's trajectory, there might be more fuel in the tank. The company consistently outperforms expectations, posting Q2 earnings that left analysts in the dust. Q3 showcased an even more spectacular show, with earnings of $4.02 per share on revenue of $18.12 billion, eclipsing estimates.

As Nvidia guides for a Q4 sales target of $20 billion, a staggering 231% YoY growth, and aims for a gross margin of 75%, one can't help but wonder if we are witnessing the tip of the iceberg.

Huang's bold five-year forecast not only hints at Nvidia's potential to outpace its own staggering performance but also foretells a future where technology reshapes our reality. Controlling about 90% of the high-end GPU market for AI and accelerated computing, Nvidia is not just a player; it's the game-changer.

In a landscape where AI's strides echo Huang's predictions, Nvidia's current stock might seem like a bargain in retrospect. The AI odyssey has just begun, and Nvidia is holding the reins, steering investors into a future where man and machine dance on the edge of indistinguishability.

DISCLAIMER:
This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions or investments. Please be careful and do your own research.