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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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What you’ll read?

• Advertising Market Poised for Growth in 2025.

• Fed’s Inflation Gauge Shows Slight Cooling in November.

• Today in AI & Tech

• Netflix Sets Record with Christmas NFL Games.

  and more…

BUSINESS

Treasury Extends BOI Filing Deadline Amid Legal Challenges

The U.S. Treasury has extended the deadline for small businesses to file the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report to January 13, 2025, following a court ruling. Noncompliance with the Corporate Transparency Act could lead to significant fines and penalties. While many businesses remain unaware of the requirement, FinCEN has emphasized education over enforcement for now.

Potential Nissan-Honda Merger Sparks Concerns

Former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn criticized the proposed Nissan-Honda merger, predicting significant cost-cutting at Nissan’s expense due to overlaps in operations. The merger would create the world’s third-largest automaker, with Honda dominating decision-making. While executives highlight EV and cost synergies, Ghosn described Nissan as “in panic mode,” and analysts expressed concerns over the integration and uncertainties in achieving the merger’s vision.

Russia Keeps Key Interest Rate at 21%, Surprises Markets

Russia’s central bank unexpectedly held its key interest rate steady at 21%, citing tightened monetary conditions that support disinflation despite high inflation and domestic demand. Annual inflation, driven by rising food prices, reached 9.5% in December, far above the 4% target, but the bank forecasts inflation will fall to 4% by 2026.

Fed’s Inflation Gauge Shows Slight Cooling in November

The Fed's preferred inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, rose 0.1% in November, with a 2.4% annual rate still above its 2% target but below estimates. Core PCE, excluding food and energy, also increased by 0.1%, indicating slower inflation. Income and spending fell short of forecasts, while housing inflation showed signs of easing.

Advertising Market Poised for Growth in 2025

The advertising market is gaining momentum, driven by sports and live events, despite shifts to streaming. Media executives predict stability following the election, with traditional TV retaining importance for sports ads. The global ad industry is set to surpass $1 trillion in 2024, led by digital platforms, while TV ad revenue grows modestly.

TECH

Today in AI & Tech

Tech Industry's Rising Energy Demand Sparks Nuclear Power Interest

Data centers fueling AI and cloud computing are driving a surge in global energy demand, with some centers consuming as much power as entire cities. Major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are now turning to nuclear power to meet their massive energy needs, marking the beginning of a potential "nuclear revival" in the tech industry.

Google CEO Pichai Highlights Critical Year Ahead in 2025 Amid AI Competition

Google CEO Sundar Pichai stressed the high stakes for 2025, calling for rapid progress as the company faces increased competition in AI and heavy regulatory scrutiny. Despite challenges, including growing rivals like OpenAI, Pichai emphasized the importance of executing well and focusing on scaling Google’s Gemini AI model to maintain leadership.

Unlock Better Cognitive Performance: The Scientifically Proven Way to Shield Your Mind and Boost Focus

The importance of protecting brain health from the harmful effects of EMF exposure is growing in research and public knowledge. EMFs can interfere with brain function, leading to issues like cognitive fatigue, lack of focus, and long-term neurological risks. Aires Tech products have been scientifically validated through numerous EEG brain scans administered by neuroscientists, showing significant improvements in brain activity and function when using our EMF protection. With Aires Tech, you can trust their technology is proven to safeguard your brain and support optimal cognitive performance.

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Other

Netflix Sets Record with Christmas NFL Games

Christmas Day was a win for Netflix, setting U.S. streaming records with exclusive rights to two NFL matchups. Nearly 65 million viewers tuned in, with the Ravens-Texans game peaking at 27 million during Beyoncé’s halftime show. The NBA also celebrated its most-watched Christmas in five years, with a viewership boost of 84% across five games.

Tributes Pour in for Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President and Humanitarian

World leaders and U.S. politicians mourn the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died at 100. Carter, renowned for brokering peace between Israel and Egypt and winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts, was praised for his lifelong dedication to peace, human rights, and service. His legacy continues to inspire global leaders.

Germany to Hold Snap Elections After Coalition Collapse

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the lower house of parliament, paving the way for snap elections on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition collapsed. Steinmeier emphasized the need for a stable, capable government and called for fair election campaigns. Conservative Friedrich Merz leads polls, while political fragmentation complicates future coalitions.

Historic Bethlehem Church Closes, Donates $400,000 to Charity

Trinity United Church of Christ in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is closing after decades of service and donating nearly $400,000 from its building’s sale to local charities. Founded in 1972 from three congregations, the church faced declining membership but will leave a legacy supporting shelters, food pantries, schools, and more.

It's a Wrap!

Thank you for joining us in this journey through the latest updates and insights. Your engagement and support mean the world to us. We hope you found this newsletter both informative and inspiring. Stay tuned for more exciting news and stories in our next edition.

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Warm regards,
Sarah