The Weekend is Here! Time for a Coffee and a Good Read
So, the weekend has finally arrived! Maybe grab a mug of your favorite danish blend, find a cozy spot outside, and settle in for some long-overdue reading.
• Hudson River’s Impact as a Market Maker: A relatively unnoticed firm has rapidly emerged as a strong player among non-bank market makers, disrupting the usual hierarchy. (bloomberg free)
• The Middle Class Faces Affordability Issues: Many middle-class families are grappling with rising costs, as about a third struggle to cover basic needs like food and housing. In a recent survey of 160 U.S. metropolitan areas, it was revealed that at least 20% of the middle class can’t afford to live there, influenced by varying income levels and prices. The statistics vary significantly across racial groups, with higher percentages of families of color unable to meet these essential costs. (brookings) See also “New Price for Eggs”: Political shifts are focusing on utility costs in hopes of winning votes in the upcoming elections. Will this strategy work in 2026? (new york times)
• Donald Trump and David Rubenstein’s Clash: After years of building influence, the billionaire’s philanthropic efforts collided with presidential priorities. (atlantic ocean)
• The Airport Lounge Dilemma: Is there really a difference between waiting in an airport lounge and sitting outside? (new yorker)
• Is Gen X the Greatest Generation?: A look back at how this era fundamentally shifted culture and the nostalgic feelings it evokes. (new york times magazine)
• Ozempic’s Influence on Lifestyle Choices: This drug’s usage has risen significantly, leading to changes in spending habits and health behaviors among many Americans. Reports show obesity rates have slightly decreased, prompting companies to adapt by revamping their health offerings. But, it seems this is just the beginning of a trend. (washington post) See also Marketing GLP-1s to Non-Obese Individuals: Various ads suggest that you don’t need to be overweight to consider these medications, while some users share their weight loss success stories linked to microdosing. (bloomberg)
• Germany’s Evolving Military Stance: After adopting a pacifist approach post-World War II, Germany is now rearming itself, signaling a notable shift in policy. (atlantic ocean)
• Future Sea Level Rise: The Big Unknowns: The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is a critical factor in global sea level projections, but the timeline for potential rise remains uncertain. (wired)
• Insights into Genetic Disorders: A closer look at significant statistical findings related to GRIN2A variants, illustrating their heavy link to various psychiatric disorders. This offers a new perspective on treatments and understanding of single-gene psychiatry. (Shanaka Anslem Perera)
• The Ownership Debate: Garage Door Openers: One individual’s fight to maintain control over what he has purchased raises questions about ownership in the era of subscription-based technology. (new york times)
Perhaps take a moment to check out the interview with Master of Business this weekend featuring Paul Zummo, the Chief Investment Officer at JP Morgan Alternative Asset Management. They manage $35 billion in hedge fund solutions tailored to the needs of institutional and high-net-worth investors.
How much equity do founders typically give to VCs per funding round?
